At the start of this historic season, I stated that the only thing that would stop Celtic was Celtic.
Well, they’ve certainly proved that and then some!
Post-match yesterday Neil Lennon agreed with the proposition that some of his players had “let him down”.
The news that Celtic’s unofficial director of football will not be in the building next season is welcome.
No one should seriously have expected Mr Lawwell to leave with his box of personal effects while the new guy brushed past him.
Things don’t work like that in CEOland.
Therefore, Dominic McKay will have a few vital months to find out what the hell is going on in Paradise.
Until he was announced, I knew the square root of zip about the man.
However, my egg-chasing buddy was on hand to fill me in.
Here is Rugger Guy’s take on Celtic’s new CEO:
“From a Leadership point of view in Scottish Rugby Dominic McKay saved them. He modernised an archaic organisation who didn’t know their arse from their elbow. He made hard calls in the coaching structure, both International and Professional club structures. He’s balanced the need to keep some of the best players in Scotland, while understanding that some players just outgrow the Scottish payroll structure. Allowing them to play abroad for the higher cash but keeping the players available to Scotland.”
So, given that Rugger Guy has no skin in the round ball game, I consider that valuable scéal.
Although the new guy walking past his processor in the foyer of a football club is not the done thing at CEO level that really isn’t the case with managers.
They’re all consenting adults, and it goes with the turf they’re standing beside on matchdays.
Hats off to the Buddies for their first victory at Celtic Park in 31 years.
Sad to relate that I was at that match in the creaky old Paradise.
Quite frankly, if Celtic was a properly run outfit, Neil Lennon would be putting personal effects in a box today.
I know the man and like him personally.
Moreover, I was delighted when he got the gig.
However, this is a results-driven business, and he knows that better than I ever will.
This season is over and waiting for a new manager in the summer merely puts European qualification in doubt once more.
Rugger Guy thinks that Mr Desmond has sourced an excellent CEO to replace Peter Lawwell.
I hope he is correct as that is a crucial first step in the re-build at Celtic.
As I have stated here over the years, all that is required at the Parkhead club is a competent CEO who allows the football department to get on with the core activity.
Celtic need a new manager NOW, and the Mr Lawwell should have no hand, act, or part in recruiting Neil’s successor.
Discover more from Phil Mac Giolla Bháin
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
We are all disappointed at the collapse in performance and points in the bid for 10 IAR.
In particular the transfer market activity has been a disaster.
Amongst others the signing of Varkas and Duffy stand out.
The former seems incapable of saving anything coming his way and Duffy’s season in a nutshell was his error for St Mirren’s winning goal.
On the other hand if 10 years ago someone had said that Celtic would complete their 2nd 9 IAR and mop up numerous domestic cup trophies along the way then most Celtic fans would have snatched their hand off, particularly as the Ibrox club has won nothing along the way whilst a number of clubs with a fraction of the blue side’s budget have won the odd Scottish or League Cup in that 10 year period.
I for one welcome the new CEO to Celtic Park in the hope that he can replicate the huge success enjoyed by his predecessor, that will do for me.
Season not over ..Scottish cup to win
You know a poor manager when he blames the players for his failings. Lennon is NOT a good manager. He has done ok with the huge budget, that is way above every other team in the league. However he was shown up at other clubs and was the cheap option at Celtic.
Celtic and Lawwell had a huge problem, Sign players/ manger good enough for Europe and have them wasted in the league or go for the cheap option and keep the shareholders happy, as even the cheap option SHOULD have been good enough. So it’s down to the manager and his tactics and man management. Lennon has none of these.
Well said Phil. Can’t afford to let Lenny just plug along or 2nd place finish may be in jeopardy.
Just to be contrary…
We all know CFC hasn’t got the best track record with recruitment processes in recent times;
– BR was – allegedly – ONLY appointed after DD was annoyed at The Rangers exec’s. OTT celebrations after beating CFC
– NL was appointed permanent manager, whilst – allegedly – PL BOASTED that he hadn’t bothered looking at a pile of CV’s.
So what exactly was the recruitment process when filling the CEO role?
Like many, I knew absolutely nothing about the SRU chap.
He may prove to be the best CEO CFC has ever had.
But…
how far was the net flung – to find the best possible candidate?
You know: no stone left unturned and all that.
A critic may think that the appointment seems a bit… parochial?
Football is a global sport. CFC has a global support, with hopes/ambitions that the club will become a force in Europe again.
So, did DD or his minions chat with e.g. football CEO’s in England, Spain, Italy, or any other country with a highly capable CEO?
Or did DD just opt for a convenient, local option ?
[And that’s not a moan at all about the new guy: I honestly hope he does the job extremely well.
Rather: why should CFC fans believe that a robust and thorough recruitment process has been conducted – this time?]