John Park could be the perfect man to replace Lee Congerton at Celtic

By Hamish Carton

May 11, 2019

John Park may be in line for a return to Celtic Park. The scout, who brought in the likes of Victor Wanyama and Virgil Van Dijk during his first stint, has been tipped by many fans to replace the outgoing Lee Congerton.

Congerton joined up with Brendan Rodgers on Saturday, leaving Celtic in a vulnerable position just weeks before the start of the transfer window.

(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)

Park seems like an obvious choice to fill the role. The Scot worked well with Neil Lennon in his first spell. Away from Wanyama and Van Dijk they discovered other top talents like Tom Rogic who have gone on to become first-team mainstays.

(Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)

A strong relationship

In March, Park made some interesting comments to the Daily Record relating to the acquisition of Van Dijk.

“I didn’t make the final decision, it’s the manager who has the final say”, he said.

“I was fortunate to be working with a manager at that time who trusted my judgement.”

(Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Park’s comments about having a strong relationship with Lennon can only be seen as a positive. Celtic have a crucial summer of activity ahead and our recruitment has to be spot on. Much like Lennon, the board may decide that employing someone already in touch with the club’s aims is the best way forward.

Park did have his signings that didn’t work but the majority were successful. With such an important summer ahead, it may make sense to go with the tried and tested. In more ways than one.