Celtic hold 'insurance policy' against furious fan revolt
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Supporters groups sent a letter to the Celtic board asking several questions about the club’s transfer strategy which was largely seen as a failure during the summer window.
Europa League games could be boycotted amid the ongoing frustration that the squad has been weakened over the summer.
There are fears manager Brendan Rodgers could leave Celtic, and after Daizen Maeda’s Parkhead exit transfer revelation there are fears other key players could depart due to a lack of ambition at the club.
As reported by The Herald [7 September], Celtic are predicted to be in a strong financial position when the next set of figures are released.
Boycotts and protests are therefore predicted not to hit the club financially, meaning supporters may be left powerless to oust the board.
“While there’s no way of predicting these things with certainty last year’s figures showed revenue of £124million”, Stephen McGowan wrote.
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“An uplift in TV money created by the new Champions League cycle, more home fixtures and player sale profit makes it reasonable to expect a turnover close to £150million this time.
“Twelve months ago the club held a whopping £77.2million in the bank and, even after they’ve paid Champions League bonuses, finished that Barrowfield revamp and handed millions of pounds in corporation tax over to HMRC, it would come as no surprise if that figure was now closer to £100million.
“No club with the guts of £100m in the bank should spend transfer deadline day scrambling around asking free agents if they fancy a move to Scotland.
Or blocking the exit of an unsettled Daizen Maeda because they can’t land a replacement.”
Following the international break, Celtic’s next home fixture is not scheduled until September 27th, when they welcome Hibernian.
“Outwith some angry banners and Sack The Board chants, it’s difficult to see how supporters can do much to bring about change” McGowan claimed.
“That volatility is most evident now in simmering fan anger and, even if a new supporters’ group springs up and hoovers up 10 per cent to 20 per cent of the shares, the money men have enough cash in the bank to withstand some heat in the kitchen.
Boycotts could be futile.”
Football Insider Verdict
Celtic fans are clearly angry at the club board following a transfer window, which many believe has left the squad weaker.
The timing of the signings is one huge concern for supporters after three players arrived after they had been knocked out of the Champions League.
Celtic were expected to build on their success in the Champions League last season, but that has not materialised and because of it Rodgers could leave.
Brendan RodgersStatsGames Managed115Games Won79Games Drew21Games Lost15Brendan Rodgers’ managerial record in his second spell at Celtic.
The financials show Celtic could have spent more during the summer and strengthened their squad before their Champions League qualification tie.