Celtic told Dermot Desmond factor could leave them 'in big trouble' as managerial consequences outlined
A former Celtic and West Ham star isn’t expecting the Hoops major shareholder to put his hand in his pocket in the summer transfer window
Frank McAvennie believes Dermot Desmond could have a significant impact on who the next Celtic manager will be and is predicting another uninspiring transfer window.
The major shareholder has been criticised for his lack of financial backing, both in the summer and January windows. It’s been a disappointing campaign thus far for Celtic, who were knocked out of the Champions League at the first hurdle and currently sit third in the Premiership. Martin O’Neill has steadied the ship on the pitch and may be looking to extend his stay at the club in some capacity beyond the summer despite his contract expiring at the end of the season.
McAvennie believes O’Neill’s future at the club could be decided by Desmond and is dependant on what the Irishman offers him in terms of transfer finances. However, the former Celtic striker also remains pessimistic about the future of the club with Desmond behind the scenes, as he claims the current crop of Hoops stars aren’t ‘good enough.’
What impact could Dermot Desmond have on Celtic transfers?
Speaking on his Let Me Be Frank podcast, MacAvennie claimed: “I made a statement a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think Dermot is going to spend much money. I don’t. The gap between the supporters, the board and Dermot is widening by the week. If his boy (Ross) comes in, and he has just called everyone bullies and all of that. Then I am not sure that it’s going to get any better.
“Dermot is pulling the strings. I suppose it now depends what manager comes in. Martin won’t want to stay if they aren’t spending money. That team, with the greatest will in the world, that team isn’t good enough to go next year. We have noticed it, as soon as we get injuries, then bang! We are in big trouble.”
Celtic have announced that the Green Brigade will be allowed to return to Parkhead after a five month ban for the title race run-in. The fan group have expressed their frustrations with Desmond and other members of the Celtic board throughout the season. The agreement made between the club and the Green Brigade is an attempt to close the gap between the board and supporters going into the business end of the season.
Frank McAvennie on Celtic manager situation
The former Celt has heard rumours that O’Neill is looking to extend his stay at the club, however he isn’t sure whether Desmond may get in the way. He would also like to see current Celtic backroom staff members, Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham remain at Parkhead. He added: “If they are in talks with Martin O’Neill for next year, from what I have heard, Martin is in talks with them. Whether it’s true or not (I don’t know).
“The one thing Martin will want is money because that team isn’t good enough to go another year. Maybe they are in talks with him regarding who do you think we should get? It’s a good source. I think that might be something to do with it (Martin moving upstairs). I don’t think Shaun can take over. I would want somebody to come in. That backroom staff looks pretty good. Shaun Maloney and Fozzy (Mark Fotheringham). I like them. They are good.”