Well Michael, that won’t cut it anymore

Celtic missed out on Champions League qualification this season after a penalty shootout defeat to Kazakhstan champions Kairat Almaty, having gone goalless over both legs and extra time — a setback many attributed to the club’s abysmal and unprepared summer transfer activity.

Following supporter protests directed at the club’s hierarchy throughout September, members of the Celtic Fans Collective, along with other supporter groups, met with senior officials at Celtic Park on Monday, with CEO Michael Nicholson among those in attendance.

One question put towards Nicholson at Monday’s meeting was: ‘How do you intend to modernise the Club’s structure to compete in Europe, and why are we consistently unprepared for qualification stages?’

As per Celtic FC’s minutes of the meeting, the club’s CEO responded: “MN stated that the Club did not accept the premise of the question. Further, MN noted that the Club had appointed Paul Tisdale as the Head of Football Operations, a new position for 7 the Club, last year, and had also created a new role of Professional Pathway Manager for Darren O’Dea. After Darren O’Dea left, the Club had appointed Shaun Maloney in this role.”

Nicholson further explained that the appointments of O’Dea and Tisdale were aimed at preventing the regular departure of promising young players to English clubs, aligning with Celtic’s broader long-term ‘strategy.’

It is yet more evidence of Nicholson and his fellow colleagues in the boardroom being detached from reality.

Fair enough if Kairat Almaty was the exception. But it’s just another in a long list of European qualifier humiliations.

And, it was largely down to the squad not being prepared due to a lack of quality additions. Not replacing key players.

How Nicholson can defend the summer transfer window is a brass neck. The ‘don’t back down, double down’ mentality was on show on Monday night. No responsibility or accountability. Just keep doing more of the same. Well, unfortunately for Michael, that won’t cut it anymore.

Conor Spence

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain  Danny McGrain , who also wrote the foreword for Celtic in the Eighties. And you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, plus you’ll only be charged for postage on one book.  Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.

Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of David Potter’s outstanding final book Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed copy!

Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS you’ll also receive a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last.

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Also postage will only be charged on ONE book, not per item so if you are in Britain or the six counties you will pay £24.50 for both books – one side by Danny McGrain and that includes the postage costs for speedy delivery. As always the books are hardback and are of the highest quality. 

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO ORDER…