Veteran journalist Hugh Keevins has moved to set the record straight on Peter Lawwell’s role in Celtic’s transfer business, insisting the chairman has “nothing whatsoever” to do with player recruitment.
Lawwell’s return to the club as non-executive chairman was met with scepticism by sections of the support, with some now pointing fingers in his direction after a slow summer window. However, Keevins says criticism is being aimed at the wrong person.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, he explained: “Peter Lawwell has personally assured me that he has nothing whatsoever to do with transfers. Nothing at all. He may be the chairman of the club, but he has told me, and in no uncertain terms, that he has nothing to do with transfers.
“So, you’re looking at Michael Nicholson, who’s the CEO, and all of those in the recruitment department.”
While Brendan Rodgers has publicly voiced his desire for more additions before the window closes, Keevins’ comments make clear that any decisions on incoming or outgoing players this summer lie with Nicholson and the club’s recruitment team, rather than Lawwell himself.
It would be good if we had some communication with the board. Even if Nicholson or someone like Paul Tisdale sat down and explained to fans, in an official capacity, Celtic’s transfer strategy. Is it a case of waiting until the English leagues are back to bring up some players from down there, or has there been a lack of quality players on the market?
Not many fans understand what goes into a transfer, who identifies, makes the phone call, how negotiations work and who has the final say. Many clubs’ sporting directors and CEOs address fans, so why can’t Celtic?
There was a promise of excellence in 2024 when the new head of recruitment took over . It looks like we employed Mr Grimsdale instead , it’s definitely a farce.
If Nicholson and his team are solely responsible for transfers then I suggest they should all be sacked .
A cash rich club like Celtic should agree the transfer budget with the manager then it is up to him to identify the players he wants within the budget and Nicholson should do the deals, in a timely manner.
This is not what is happening here, someone is pulling the strings at the club and it’s not Nicholson.
If we don’t get the players we need in before the C.L. play-off and we get eliminated then the fans should take action I e. Stop buying merchandise, leave there seats empty at selected matches and even boycott Europa League matches.
It’s the only way to get the parasites to take notice.