TOM ENGLISH spoke about the departure of Dom McKay and claimed a source close to the former CEO didn’t see this coming and most people have been blindsided by his Celtic exit.
The newly hired Chief Exec left the role after 72 days on Friday with the club citing ‘personal reasons’ for his departure.
CeltsAreHere confirmed on Friday there were no extenuating circumstances around the exit and it wasn’t for ill-health of Dom or anybody in his family.
The decision for the change to be made has been a purely professional one by the Celtic board and depending on who you listen to, you’ll get a different reason as to why that is.
English revealed someone close to Dom McKay had not seen this coming. He also revealed chats with McKay who was utterly ‘absorbed’ in his dream job and can’ quite fathom what’s gone on.
“I don’t think anyone anticipated this there were no rumours going around.” English told BBC Sportsound.
“I spoke to somebody close to Dominic McKay, who’s been in touch with him in the last three days, that person had no indication that there was anything in the pipeline.
“So I think everyone’s been blindsided by this for sure.
“Michael Nicholson, the Director of Legal and Football Affairs is stepping into the role. He’s very experienced. Been with the club since 2013. He knows the ropes.
“So I think he will do the job on an interim basis. They will probably need a new chief executive at some stage.
“This was a dream job for Dom McKay, a Celtic fan all his days.
“Absolutely up for it in a major way. I spoke to him a number of times about it and he was totally and utterly absorbed in the job and was really, really looking forward to it.
“But he saw this as the big step up. This is the one that he was that he wanted and it’s gone as you say in 72 days. It’s over.”
Michael Nicholson getting the role does steady the ship but doesn’t say much for the direction of the club.
McKay was transparent enough and he let Celtic fans know there were big plans to help modernise the club. Now, those plans seem dead in the water. Will there be a continuation of what we’ve seen at the club under Peter Lawwell now? Given Michael worked under the former Chief Exec and is well thought of within the board – it’s likely he’d continue the way Peter had things running.
