Celtic transfer theory hatched as Dermot Desmond takes leading role in whispers heard by Hoops hero
The major Celtic shareholder is centre to some bold claims over his influence.
A Celtic hero has made bold claims over the involvement of Dermot Desmond in Parkhead recruitment.
Martin O’Neill has been appointed permanent manager but coaching staff matters and who operates recruitment behind the scenes is still to be ironed out. Despite a double, transfer business was lamented last season, and fans are desperate to see that area of Celtic improve. No signings have been made as of yet ahead of players returning to pre-season this month.
Frank McAvennie - who featured with prominence at Celtic between two stints in the 80s and 909s - now runs his ‘Let me be Frank’ podcast alongside host Simon Houston. He has heard that major shareholder Desmond is taking the mantle of recruitment on as fears are aired over missing out on the likes of Motherwell’s Elijah Just through a prolonged process.
Who is running Celtic’s recruitment?
Houston: “You heard a wee rumour.”
McAvennie: “I heard Dermot is doing it himself.”
Houston: “Getting involved in actually trying to scout players? He has got a lot of time on his hands.”
McAvennie: “Surely not?! He has a lot of time on his hands but my god.”
Houston: “Do you think he has thought that maybe this analytic business is the way forward. He is maybe looking at stats and data. Maybe looking to identify players himself.”
McAvennie: “I think he is a very clever man. To make the money he has, you have to be very clever, but leave it to the football guys.”
Houston: “He strikes me as the type of individual that might do that.”
McAvennie: “That’s why I said it to you because it’s so strange that it could be true.”
Houston: “Maybe he has thought there is a science involved in identifying players with data.”
What player should Celtic have already signed this summer?
McAvennie: “Martin isn’t the type of manager that you say, ‘there is a player.’ (David) Sullivan did it with West Ham. Every Monday morning, there was a striker there. ‘Who is that? It’s a striker. Don’t need a striker, but you have it.’ Listen, I hope we get people in.”
Houston: “There is no evidence of that happening.”
McAvennie: “You know what? Normally, you sit and think, ‘We are going to do this.’ I just don’t see it. I don’t see anything. I think it’s going to be the same as the last couple of seasons. I think it’s going to be last-minute. Creeping for loans. A club like Celtic shouldn’t do that. The boy Just should have been signed before the World Cup.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly