Celtic’s boardroom priorities remain firmly focused on internal club affairs, despite assertions by Keith Jackson of the Daily Record that the Hoops hierarchy will be glued to what’s going on in the city.
Jackson has stated that chairman Peter Lawwell and CEO Michael Nicholson would be paying careful attention as Rangers’ new investors articulate their vision at this morning’s EGM, describing the moment as critical for Celtic’s response. However, this narrative appears to be about building curiosity rather than representing Celtic’s current agenda.
In actuality, the club is focused on extending Brendan Rodgers’ contract and improving the squad ahead of a crucial season. Rodgers’ current contract expires next summer, and negotiations are thought to be underway behind the scenes to ensure the Irishman’s long-term future. The board has made it plain that it intends to build continuity and prevent uncertainty when the new season begins.
Internal talks are also heavily focused on recruitment. Paul Tisdale has worked closely with the club on transfer plan to improve critical areas. This process is already begun, with Celtic hoping to act quickly in the market to avoid repeating the sluggishness that caused problems last summer. As they strive to advance both domestically and internationally, the club is looking to combine experience with younger talent.
The concept that the Ibrox EGM will define Celtic’s future lacks substance. While they will undoubtedly keep an eye on developments at Rangers, this is not a watershed point in the club’s approach.
The allegation that Celtic’s board is basing its intentions on what is happening at Ibrox appears to be a forced attempt to create drama in a subject that has little bearing on what is going on at Parkhead.
He told RecordSport, “For the time being, Celtic will keep a close eye on everything. And there will be much to take in and analyze from all throughout the city over the next few days.
“Just keeping up with the guy next door isn’t sufficient. On the contrary, since the turn of the century, the aim has been to stay one step ahead of the neighbors at all times.
“This will not only be the first opportunity for Celtic’s management to gain a true sense of what is likely to come at them now that Rangers are in new hands. It may well assist form the necessary level of response.
“Chairman Peter Lawwell and CEO Michael Nicholson simply cannot take anything for granted which is why they’ll be watching on and listening with interest when Cavenagh and Marathe outline their intentions to shareholders this morning.”
Celtic are focused on their own plans. Securing Brendan Rodgers on a new contract is high on the board’s priority list, with negotiations underway well before his current contract expires next summer. It’s the kind of forward thinking that has kept the club going for years.
On the transfer front, work with Paul Tisdale demonstrates Celtic’s desire to move early in the window. They understand the importance of settling new arrivals before the Champions League qualifications and do not want to repeat last summer’s poor start.
Celtic will keep an eye on what’s going on at Ibrox, but the idea that they’ll base their plans on an EGM is just unrealistic. This board functions from a position of control, rather than reacting to events in the city.
For supporters, the most important things to watch are Rodgers’ contract and which players are coming in. That is where the club is focusing its efforts, and that is what is most important this summer.
Leave a Reply