It’s pretty clear that we’re going to see a completely different management structure in place at Celtic next season, but we’re yet to see if it’s the Manager or the Sporting Director that comes first.
It’s a topic that will always split opinion as there’s plenty of merit in suggesting that the manager needs to have full control over transfers, but it’s usually better for the long term future of the club if there’s someone else to look after that side of things.
Betting odds tend to be skewed by bets rather than the likelihood of something happening, but when you see names like Roy Keane being banded about then you worry the next appointment could be a short-term one.
READ MORE: Odds continue to fall on ex-Bhoys veteran to become new boss
The last thing we need to see is a new manager throw millions at a squad before swiftly departing and leaving the club in a bigger mess, so it’s important to get the Sporting Director appointment right.
A few weeks ago our colleagues at Stretty News reported that both Celtic and Man United were holding talks with Juventus Chief Scout Matteo Tognozzi, but this announcement from United appears to rule them out of that race:
We are pleased to announce the appointment of John Murtough as the club's new Football Director, and Darren Fletcher as Technical Director.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 10, 2021
Tognozzi would come in with some impressive credentials and an intimate knowledge of how a European powerhouse is run, but he’s also looking at players in a market that Celtic can’t touch and it’s likely that his knowledge of Scottish football would be limited.
The obvious hope would be that he can take the strategy that Juve have employed in terms of signing immensely talented young players and bring that to Celtic, while this news suggests Celtic have a clear run at him now if he is the preferred candidate.
