The narrative surrounding Celtic fans as “entitled” due to their reactions to their rivals catching up then surpassing them in the league standings is not only simplistic but blatantly overlooks the depth of their commitment and understanding of the game.
To truly grasp the ethos of the Celtic support, one need not look further than the tenure of Ange Postecoglou, particularly his inaugural season. Despite trailing by seven points in the title race, Postecoglou’s popularity soared, a testament to the fans’ ability to recognise and appreciate a team with a distinct playing identity.
Even in the face of defeats, there was a prevailing sense that the team deserved more, based on their performance. Celtic fans bought in and what was to follow would vindicate their stance. This while some journos were writing headings like ‘Absolutley Not Good Enough’ spelling out Ange and his lack of prowess.
This season, however, the discontent brewing among the supporters is not born out of a mere title race but from witnessing a team that seems to have lost its way, lacking any recognisable traits or identity regardless of the game’s outcome. The crux of the frustration lies in the perceived regression from Postecoglou’s treble-winning squad to a team now incorporating cheaper, less reliable components. Jota to Palma, Starfelt to Scales just two examples.
This shift suggests a miscalculation by Celtic’s board and Dermot Desmond, who perhaps believed that the mere appointment of Brendan Rodgers as Postecoglou’s successor would suffice to retain the league title. This assumption, seemingly shared by some supporters, has led to a palpable sense of disillusionment.
The intelligence of the Celtic fanbase should not be underestimated. They can discern when the club has leveraged all within its means to secure silverware. The current atmosphere of discord and dissatisfaction stems from a clear vision: if Celtic were to relinquish the league title, it would be indefensible for the board to claim that every possible effort was made. It’s this realisation that fuels the supporters’ grievances, not a baseless sense of entitlement.
Their frustrations are a call to action for the club’s leadership to reflect, reassess, and realign with the aspirations and values of its loyal supporters.
The tenure of Celtic’s board, with some members having been in place for over two decades, has reached a point where it’s increasingly clear they may not be capable of driving the necessary change the club desperately needs.
This long-standing incumbency has led to a stagnation of ideas and perhaps an inability to adapt to the evolving landscape of football.
The urgent need for fresh blood and innovative perspectives at the helm cannot be overstated. Without injecting new life into the club’s leadership, Celtic risks falling into a repetitive cycle of underachievement and missed opportunities. The call for rejuvenation at the top is not just desirable but essential for the club to reclaim its stature and ambition on and off the pitch.
