Michael Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Celtic, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and Club Brugge KV at Celtic Park on November 27, 2024 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Michael Nicholson’s internal appointment to the role, despite lacking football-specific executive experience, raises uncomfortable questions. Why was a man already in the room during McKay’s appointment suddenly seen as the more suitable long-term figure? Was it simply about leadership style — or a deeper resistance to the kind of change McKay was pushing for?
Under McKay, Celtic looked outward. There was structure, direction, and a sense that recruitment was being driven by networks, relationships, and a clear plan. Since his exit, Celtic have appointed two different heads of football operations, but neither has recreated the synergy or success of that brief, transformative period.
The club now sits on financial reserves that approach an entire year’s turnover — yet meaningful squad strengthening has stalled. The agility, ambition, and alignment of Ange’s early windows has given way to a frustrating lack of clarity.
Peter Lawwell, Brendan Rodgers and Michael Nicholson. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
So, as fans look to Paul Tisdale with cautious hope, the real issue may not lie solely in the recruitment team at all. The question is whether Celtic’s executive leadership — so adept at selling players — is even interested in replicating the bold, connected approach that once made their buying so successful. Because until the club rediscovers that willingness to modernise, align, and communicate a clear footballing vision, the gap between what Celtic could be and what they currently are will only grow.
Niall J
Today we remember David Potter, who passed away two years ago today. We want to say thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered David’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books.
Celtic legend Danny McGrain has written a wonderful foreword for the book and we will have a limited number of copies available that will be signed by Danny McGrain – if you have already pre-ordered your copy of Celtic in the Eighties you will be getting a signed copy. If you would like to receive a signed copy by Danny McGrain please order now as the number of signed books will be limited.
David’s widow Rosemary has also written a ‘thank you message’ to the Celtic support for David’s last book. It’s a wonderful tribute to David from his wife on behalf of his entire family that extends right out to his Celtic family. That’s you, me and everyone else reading this or anyone who has Celtic in their hearts.
The link to pre-order your copy of Celtic in the Eighties, signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain is below. Celtic in the Eighties is a fitting way for David Potter to sign off as one of Celtic’s foremost historians. We think you’ll love it.
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.
Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image to join.
Celtic needed signings as a few players were transfered and contacts ran down then Rodgers has built up his team yes khun scored a lot of goals but that was before January his form dropped dramatically after bayern game Taylor left Tierney is a big improvement Taylor never hit the bye line and his crossing was not good our forwards well benefit with Tierney hitting the byline his crossing to scales against Newcastle up against Enlish international his crossing was perfect i hope idah heading improves and the two new Japanese its early but promising Trusty had a good pre season with some of our B team showing great promise got rid of a few players that weren’t up to Rodgers liking kyoko moved on he wasn’t the same in his new rule so I dont see us weaker except for Jota who was getting match fit when serious injury will keep him out till next year we will sign new players and remember we have the swede who looks a player Im excited on new season
Celtic’s decision to take a different path is down to one man,,,,,,,,,,Lawwell, the man who cost us 10 in a row, and now it seems he’s determined that we don’t it in the future. This is the same man who told us that “it’s only the fans that hate one another, that the Celtic board and their board were the best of friends, LOL. Makes me think of the old joke,,,,,,,,,” When does a Catholic become a fenian bastard ?, When he leaves the room”. Maybe peters never heard that one.