The sound of silence, absolutely nothing from Celtic about the promised review

We all woke up this morning to the sound of silence, absolutely nothing about the promised review. There are two separate but linked issues here, the review itself and the failure to act following a continuing run of disgraceful results.

With regard to the review, there are only two possible scenarios, namely, they did not undertake one or they did but don’t want to communicate the outcome. I suspect that a formal review never took place and that there was never any intention to do one. The promise of a review in the new year/January was an attempt to placate the fans. I guess they thought that the results and performances might have improved by then and they could issue a statement that we fight on. Unfortunately, the reverse has happened with Saturday’s debacle being a new low in the manager’s reign.

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Board have manoeuvred themselves into a corner and would lose what little credibility they have should they now come out with a statement that we have reviewed the situation and we don’t see the need for any changes. And that is where we are; the Board left themselves with only one choice, to remain silent, nothing to see here.

Regardless of whether any review actually took place, why have they decided not to make a change? It cannot be for footballing reasons. It would be sad to get into a debate about how low can we go, suffice to say, there have been a good few lows in recent seasons and the concern is that there are more to follow.

Neil Lennon did intimate that he would walk if he could not improve things and maybe the Board were okay with that outcome. However, he has quite publicly changed his mind and that is no longer an option.

Are they waiting on the new CEO sorting things out? I hope not, this a mess of their own making and they need to sort it out. Maybe their preferred replacement has said no, or he is not available at the moment or they are waiting until others materialise? Possibly, but that doesn’t stop them installing an interim manager like what was done when Brendan Rodgers left.

To be honest, I have no idea why nothing has changed but one thing is certain, if Dermot Desmond wanted to replace the manager or anyone else for that matter, it would have happened. The Irish billionaire answers to no one and no one answers him back.

This is not about Neil Lennon, I have a photograph of him on the wall of my spare bedroom and it will stay there regardless. It is all about how to improve the performances on the park. Neil has admitted he doesn’t know how to do that and, not only that, he doesn’t know what the problem is. He has given it his best shot. Let’s remember the good times with him but before that, it’s time to call time on this gig.

The Ben Davies saga is a disappointment and it will be interesting to see how long a contract he gets. Mark Lawrenson didn’t think he was on Liverpool’s radar and that they have jumped in at the last minute without undertaking any due diligence. Might be that he will be warming the Liverpool bench until the summer and will be nowhere near it when Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez return. Anyway, good luck to him, a life changing move.

Photo: Marco Rosi / Fotonotizia

There was at least some good news today, Olivier Ntcham is hopefully on his way out the door. Au revoir, and don’t come back.

Chris Wotherspoon

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment

  1. Desmond may be silent but where are Bankier and Wilson, and ex UK Minister who is usually happy enough to talk? They will be taking plenty £££ from their board membership, let’s hear from them!