31 Jul 2024 11:07:33
The Issues Celtic Fans Have with the Board
Many of the Celtic board have been at the club for well over a decade. Let me start by praising them for keeping the club in good financial health during that time and for delivering domestic dominance. However, this could and should have been even greater. Despite their contributions, there are significant reasons why many Celtic fans have issues with the board.
One of the primary grievances stems from the missed opportunity to sign Steven Fletcher. At a crucial time when Celtic desperately needed a striker to secure the league title, the board's unwillingness to match Hibernian's valuation resulted in losing both the player and the championship. This decision highlights a pattern of reluctance to invest in key players, ultimately costing the club crucial successes.
Furthermore, in recent years, Celtic has failed to qualify for the Champions League multiple times. This failure is directly linked to the board's inability to address team deficiencies and secure new players early enough. The lack of timely signings has prevented managers from adequately preparing their squads for critical qualifiers. The financial repercussions of missing out on Champions League football are substantial, leading to significant losses in potential revenue.
Additionally, the period surrounding the death and resurrection of Rangers was a pivotal moment for Celtic. However, the board's actions-or lack thereof-played a significant role in Rangers' return. The board used their position to help resurrect Rangers, despite having the power to prevent it. While the board's motivations might have been rooted in ensuring our own financial security, their decision to lie to the fans about the secret 5-way agreement is unforgivable. The SPL, including Celtic, were signatories of that agreement, and the board's claim of ignorance is laughable given the numerous meetings that must have taken place.
The board's refusal to back Resolution 12 further erodes trust. Resolution 12 addressed oldco Rangers and the SFA's alleged cheating regarding their European licence in 2011. Despite clear evidence from the Craig Whyte fraud trial that Rangers had an unpaid tax bill before their application, the board chose not to pursue the matter. This inaction cost Celtic a Champions League spot, which would have brought significant financial benefits. The board's silence on this issue is deafening and suggests a lack of willingness to defend the club's interests.
Moreover, the board's treatment of fans who supported the Palestinian cause is another point of contention. Banning these supporters and fabricating claims about safety risks to marginalise them is unacceptable. Glasgow City Council's later verification that these claims were false only underscores the board's willingness to deceive its own fans.
Adding to the fans' frustration was the board's appointment of a war criminal, despite widespread opposition. They also considered appointing Bernard Higgins to head of security, a man who had previously led a campaign of harassment against Celtic supporters. Furthermore, the board's decision to donate to the Poppy Appeal, which supports armed forces associated with colonialism and violence, alienates a significant portion of the fanbase.
The board's failure to have a proper managerial succession plan has also been costly. The appointment of Neil Lennon and the reluctance to replace him until the league title was lost is a prime example. The recruitment debacle last year almost cost Celtic another league title, demonstrating a pattern of poor decision-making at crucial times.
In conclusion, while the Celtic board deserves recognition for maintaining financial stability and achieving domestic success, their failures in key areas have led to frustration among the fans. The missed transfer opportunities, inadequate preparation for Champions League qualifiers, failure to seize strategic advantages, and a pattern of deceit and poor decision-making highlight the need for a more proactive and transparent approach from the board to fully realise Celtic's potential.
31 Jul 2024 11:31:14
Very accurate and detailed account of our Board's strengths and more importantly weaknesses. Their priorities lie strictly on the business side and have been far more impressive than the combined football side and as 'custodians' they have repeatedly failed to serve and represent the supporters, although quick to accept remuneration.
31 Jul 2024 13:24:31
You made loads of good points Weejoe.
Fergus would’ve had a field day.
31 Jul 2024 13:39:28
Weejoe, that certainly wasn’t a wee contribution, and I have no doubt but some fans and many members of this forum will believe much of what u wrote, but much of your contribution is the opinion of a negative poster and didn’t have universal agreement when written before .
I am not going to argue against the many statements and claims you have made against the Board, because I believe what u have posted in most instances wouldn’t stand up to scrutiny, and my contradictions of them are similarly based on hearsay and cannot be proven, either .
I have no doubt the Board some years may not have supplied the manager of the day with the players he wanted/ needed to bring us further in CL . I also have no doubt performance on the pitch and tactics and team work by players chosen by manager very often led to team exiting C L and on these occasions many took opportunity to do what they do best is blame the Board . We have people posting on here to sack the Board . These people think they are speaking for majority of fans, however they definitely haven’t a notion because they can have no idea what tens and tens of million think .
The Board have the ability to judge the mood of fans better . They know sale of merchandise on a wkly / monthly cycle . They know the uptake legally of Celtic Tv and many other ways .
Whether we like it or not Celtic team ihas to be limited to be just better than other SPL teams including ref / VAR officials. If any Celtic players are better than rest of team and hence better than they are in SPL, not only player and agent want to move to test themselves in a better league, but some of our prominent posters feel the samec. We had it this season a poster, said it was morally wrong to not sell MO’R as he could earn far more money in EPL .
It’s regrettably only time until MO’R and his agent will feel he needs to go elsewhere to test himself .
So the Board are not allowed to buy the very best for Manager to build as good a team as possible as best players will demand to go . Thank God MO’R is less demanding than K Tierney ( top Celtic fan) who was going to wreck Boardroom if he didn’t get away .
Better players become careless when playing against inferior team and often agents notice this and want to get player away or not even not signing in first place
So top players won’t stay and when our team is far superior to SPL opponents, not only are there empty seats all round stadium, we have had in the past parts of stadium blocked off because especially fans who had to travel including us Irish stayed away and didn’t buy books .
Wee Joe
I am convinced that our poor results in Europe has the Board, on one side to blame but equally manager and players . I know u and many others don’t rate N L but ask yourself who has the best European results over last 10 yrs.
31 Jul 2024 14:08:50
It's important to have open discussions about our club's management and decisions, as it reflects our shared passion for Celtic. However, there are several points in your reply that need addressing to clarify the issues raised by many fans.
1. Validity of Concerns:
You mention that much of what I wrote might be viewed as negative opinions and that similar opinions have not had universal agreement before. However, it's crucial to understand that the grievances presented are shared by a significant portion of the fanbase. These concerns are not baseless but are rooted in observable patterns and decisions made by the board over the years. While it's true that opinions vary, dismissing these concerns outright without addressing the specific issues only perpetuates frustration among fans.
2. Performance and Blame:
While the performance on the pitch and the manager's tactics play a role in our successes and failures, the board's decisions directly impact the resources available to the manager. When key signings are delayed or not made at all, it handicaps the manager's ability to prepare the team adequately. The board's reluctance to meet transfer valuations or secure players early in the window has been a recurring issue, as seen with the missed opportunity to sign Steven Fletcher. This isn't about finding scapegoats but recognising the interconnected roles of management and the board.
3. Financial Realities and Ambitions:
You highlight that the board needs to balance financial realities with team performance, suggesting that Celtic's team needs to be just better than other SPL teams. However, this viewpoint can be limiting. Celtic has the potential to perform at a higher level, especially in European competitions. The board's conservative approach often seems to focus on maintaining domestic dominance without pushing the boundaries of what the club can achieve on the European stage. This conservative approach can lead to missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
4. Fan Engagement and Trust:
The argument that the board can judge the mood of fans through merchandise sales and Celtic TV subscriptions is somewhat reductive. While these metrics provide some insight, they do not capture the full extent of fan sentiment, especially regarding critical issues like transfer policies and transparency. Engaging directly with the fanbase, addressing their concerns openly, and building trust through transparent communication are essential for a healthy club-fan relationship.
5. Retention of Top Players:
You correctly point out the challenges in retaining top players who wish to test themselves in better leagues. However, the issue isn't solely about retaining players but also about building a competitive team that can perform well in Europe. While some players will inevitably leave, having a robust strategy for recruitment and development can ensure that the team remains strong and competitive. The board's role is to support the manager in building such a team, not just maintaining the status quo.
6. Responsibility and Accountability:
The assertion that the board shares blame for poor results in Europe equally with managers and players is valid. However, the board's accountability extends beyond individual matches. It encompasses strategic planning, timely investments, and creating an environment where the manager and players can succeed. The recurring pattern of delayed or inadequate support suggests a need for a more proactive and ambitious approach from the board.
7. Specific Case of Neil Lennon:
While I like Neil Lennon and thought he did a decent job as manager, and also felt he was the right choice when Rodgers left, I did not want him to be permanent manager. He is more old school, and the club had started to modernise under Deila and then Rodgers. Despite Lennon's European results over the last decade being among the best of recent managers, it's essential to look at the broader context. His appointment and prolonged tenure during a critical period, despite clear signs of underperformance, highlight a lack of strategic foresight. The board's reluctance to make timely managerial changes when needed has had significant consequences for the club's ambitions.
In conclusion, while financial prudence and realistic expectations are necessary, so is ambition and proactive management. The concerns raised by many fans about missed opportunities, lack of transparency, and strategic shortcomings are valid and deserve serious consideration. By addressing these issues constructively, the board can work towards realising Celtic's full potential and maintaining the trust and support of its fanbase.
31 Jul 2024 14:40:41
Nonsense wee Joe . U say merchandise sale doesn’t reflect. Fans not happy with transfers, merchand Sales may not tell whole story, what better barometer is there .
31 Jul 2024 15:05:41
You appear to be deflecting des and have not given counter arguments to the points in my posts. Until you do I will choose to ignore your replies.
31 Jul 2024 15:51:42
Wee Joe, fair pitch, the jobs yours ???.