Paul Tisdale may be a name that has come from left-field when considering the future of Celtic recruitment but the theory behind his potential appointment should be familiar.
Reports this week indicate that Tisdale is being lined up for a senior football operations role at Celtic, helping the club build for the future across different departments.
He will initially be tasked with reviewing what’s currently in place at Lennoxtown. This includes transfer and scouting processes, the club’s use of data, and the development of coaches.
It’s an interesting appointment, especially since Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers publicly called for improvement to the club’s transfer work during the summer window.
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Although, in the end, he was pleased with those brought to Glasgow and acknowledged that a lot of hard work went into scouting the right targets, Rodgers nonetheless called for a review of Celtic’s position.
Brendan Rodgers signalled changes were coming to Celtic
Back in August, the Bhoys boss couldn’t be clearer, stating in a press conference when asked about recruitment, “We need to improve that. The department and other people here, the people that are here, are absolutely fantastic.
“The work they’ve put in over the course of the summer and going back over the months, being so diligent, covering many games, travelling out to games. But it’s still an area I think that we can review after the window and see where, like every area, every department, where we can improve it.
“I said it, I think it was last week, that recruitment is – alongside your playing and management and coaching staff – your recruitment department is key at your football club.
“Because, as I said, if you don’t get that right, they can be very costly mistakes. So, for us, it’s a constant look at where we can develop and improve it.”
Rodgers’ promise to analyse and execute the best path forward is now coming true with the introduction of Tisdale, who has quite the job ahead of him.
Celtic need to find value despite large resources
Celtic are swimming with cash right now. Everyone knows it. But that doesn’t negate their need to find value in the transfer market.
Whether shopping for £2m players or £10m players, Celtic will want to look for returns on investment wherever possible.
That’s where someone with Tisdale’s profile comes in. Known for using data and analytics to put together an Exeter City side that punched above its weight in the English leagues, the hope will be he can modernise and bring a bright future to Celtic’s recruitment.
Above all, Rodgers will want to reinforce the need to bolster his team and squad with players he knows can make an impact immediately. It can’t just be rough gems with potential.
All of that together makes Tisdale’s task difficult. But it seems that not only does he think he can walk that fine line, but Celtic do too.
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