Last week, the Green Brigade announced their intention to bring supporters groups together via one organisation named Celtic Shared. This group slightly differs from The Celtic Trust in the sense that Celtic Shared is a campaign group designed to pressure the PLC, whereas The Celtic Trust plans to increase the supporter’s shareholding in the club.
Celtic Shared hosted its first zoom meeting on 10 March, with approximately 150 people in attendance. These included reps from different CSCs, fan media and individual supporters. Discussion began with a representative of the group explaining that Celtic Shared was founded by the Green Brigade but aims to move forward to a more democratic structure. It was also explained that Celtic Shared pledge their support to The Celtic Trust in their proposal to have fans issued with shares as a form of compensation for being unable to attend matches this season – or to meet the promise of added value. Further to this, it was felt that shares would be best left in the hands of The Celtic Trust, so as to not be diluted, whilst Celtic Shared considers itself to be more of a “boots on the ground” type of external organisation that is committed to keeping supporter’s eyes on the ball should success arrive again.
One of the first, and key, aspects of Celtic Shared’s campaign is that they seek to change the club’s level of engagement with fans. Indeed, it was explained that the club often makes decisions and then speaks with fan groups afterwards. However, Celtic Shared would see “proper fan engagement” as supporters being consulted prior to decisions being made that impact the faithful.
The idea of having a fan on the board was raised. However, the group explained that it would be preferable to have a say in who sits on the board, rather than a supporter actually taking any such position. When broached on the issue, a spokesman said “Once you become a board member you are there to represent shareholders at present, and with non-disclosure agreements in place you would not really be able to carry out the role as a fan on the board.”
German football is a fine example of supporters having a say in the running of their clubs. Therefore, it is unsurprising to note that Celtic Shared are engaging with fan groups from Germany to help put content together to give fans more of an understanding on how things work. The need to turn the idea of fan ownership into a positive campaign was stressed as it is neither desirable nor productive to progress a campaign that is purely based on opposing the board. In addition to this point, it was stated that fans would like to know who is making decisions as opposed to wanting to make decisions themselves.
Positive talks and rhetoric is one thing, but it is futile unless there is a plan for a campaign. In that sense, Celtic Shared outlined their plans for the future: “We want to set up an external structure to the Green Brigade. Prioritise the share issue and a petition campaign in the short term. We know the Green Brigade are not liked by all but we are not sensitive about this. Celtic Shared is a complete open-door policy for those who believe fans should have more of a say.”
The meeting drew to a close with an emphasis being put on the fact that this meeting was the start of a more democratic process. Feedback was welcomed, a further meeting was promised and fans were invited to spread the message online.
If you would like to get involved with Celtic Shared and take part in future meetings, you can do so by contacting the group via Twitter: @Celtic_Shared or email: celticshared@outlook.com
We have emailed the meeting minutes from last week to those on our mailing list and we’re keen to hear your feedback. We would be very grateful if people would take the time to respond. Anyone else looking to join our network please email celticshared@outlook.com.
— Celtic Shared (@Celtic_Shared) March 16, 2021
