Stephen McGowan has addressed fresh speculation raised by Peter Martin suggesting that Dermot Desmond could be preparing to sell his stake in Celtic…
The club’s principal shareholder has come under intense scrutiny during a turbulent campaign, with criticism mounting over both footballing and boardroom decisions.
Desmond’s approval of several controversial moves this season – including the appointment of Wilfried Nancy and a public swipe at Brendan Rodgers, coupled with the disgraceful bans on both fan media and the Green Brigade – has added to supporter frustration, but the fallout from Celtic’s recent AGM has proven particularly significant.
During the AGM, his son Ross sparked backlash after labelling sections of the fanbase as “bullies” in a rant that drew widespread criticism and further strained relations with supporters.
Amid ongoing questions over the club’s direction and Desmond’s long-term intentions, McGowan was asked about the rumours while appearing alongside Martin on PLZ Soccer, where the discussion turned to whether a potential sale could be on the horizon.
Martin said: “I’ve been speaking to some financial people who clearly feel… you always try and second-guess the endgame on this.”
“You know the Hearts [plan], because they outlined at the start of the season, to much ridicule, that this is year one of a plan towards trying to win the league and not [having] Celtic and (the) Rangers dominating.”
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 Dermot Desmond
“You know the Rangers plan because it’s now an American one, where they’ve distanced themselves from that old guard of six or seven investors all fighting for power. So you’ve got a clear strategy from them now. [Celtic] have got £77 million in the bank… And some of the people I’ve been speaking to think that it looks as is [Desmond] is gearing up for a sale.”
McGowan responded by saying: McGowan replied: “I don’t see any evidence of that. I can understand the logic, because if you look at what Ross Desmond said, they think they are being sustainable.”
Peter Lawwell, Chairman of Celtic, Dermot Desmond, Non-Executive Director of Celtic, and Michael Nicholson, CEO of Celtic, are seen in attendance prior to the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“The phrase he used was, ‘we can’t afford to swing and miss’, by taking a punt at it. I think the situation is toxic. I’ve written in The Herald that I don’t think anything changes at Celtic, really, until everything changes. I think it comes absolutely right from the top. But I don’t necessarily see any great impetus for that.”
Alan Brazil has also echoed claims that Desmond may consider selling his stake in Celtic, although, at present, any change of ownership still appears unlikely.
Celtic v Hibernian – Premier Sports Cup – Celtic Park Lord Willie Haughey in the stands before the Premier Sports Cup match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Sunday August 18, 2024. Photo Steve Welsh, IMAGO/PA Images
Meanwhile, Willie Haughey is expected to press ahead with proposals aimed at giving supporters representation at board level, though it remains unclear what influence such a move would ultimately have. Things have gone very quiet on this since Haughey’s plan was announced in an interview on PLZ. With season ticket renewals approaching time is of an essence if this is to get off the ground.
Conor Spence
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