Celtic have bolstered their scouting department with the addition of veteran talent-spotter David Pleat, who joins the club after his long association with Tottenham Hotspur ended last year.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager David Pleat in the stands
Reuters / Suzanne Plunkett
The 80-year-old will use his vast experience to identify talent for the Scottish champions, working under Celtic’s head of football operations, Paul Tisdale.
Pleat’s appointment comes as a boost for Brendan Rodgers, who has been vocal about the need to strengthen the scouting network, particularly as Celtic compete in the Champions League and continue their domestic dominance.
The former Spurs manager brings decades of experience.
Pleat’s departure from Spurs last year highlighted the growing divide in football recruitment strategies.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy informed Pleat that his traditional scouting methods were being phased out in favour of a data-driven approach.
Speaking to the Telegraph at the time, Pleat revealed his disappointment at being let go but acknowledged the direction Spurs were heading.
“Daniel Levy called me in and said, ‘You know it’s all data-driven now, we don’t need eyes and ears,’” Pleat explained. “What a nonsense. I didn’t argue. He’s in charge.”
With Pleat now part of the team, Celtic hope to identify under-the-radar talents in England and beyond. His knowledge of the lower leagues in England, where he famously discovered Dele Alli playing for MK Dons, could be a significant asset.
It will be interesting to see how he fits in.
In the modern game, data is highly useful, but it doesn’t always tell the full story.
Do we really need to hire an eighty year old with cautions for kerb crawling as a “talent spotter”?
Was there no more suitable applicant than this creep?
Kerb Crawling is driving slowly in a red light district. Get off your high horse FFS. Consenting Adults. Not my thing but you’re making out it’s something sinister.
Do you have proof for your comments James or is it just something you read?
It was in Sunday Papers in the 1990s. He was talking to ADULT women who do a certain job at night. So the publicity was embarrassing for him but they are adults. James Carr Mr Perfect.
For the record David Pleat was not found guilty of any crime!
I welcome his expertise in unearthing quality players from the lower leagues in England and beyond
exactly. and the story was, he drove his car in a red light district slowly. now, i I don’t use hook*rs but the amount of folk i know when Celtic are away in Europe & rangers supporting pals who seek out, ‘entertainment’ is like, 10-20% of folk i know so it’s a thing & to make out he’s a ‘creep’ is a joke. its not my thing (i am blessed with good looks, dont need to pay) but maybe ugly folk need an outlet. He was in his car talking to ADULT women. TALKING(!) & some reporter got wind of it. He never actually did the act. actually an embarrassment James Carr brought this up to be honest. I have sinned. most have. he must be pure like Jesus. Imagine being so pure. i wish i was like JC.