Celtic chief Peter Lawwell has ‘high, high hopes’ for Nick Hammond

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Celtic’s AGM is currently taking place at Celtic Park with a variety of staff at the club on hand to answer questions from shareholders and update supporters on the current status of the Scottish champions.

One of the most intriguing comments coming from it so far has been Chief Executive Peter Lawwell’s high praise for Head of Football Operations Nick Hammond, who was appointed earlier this season.

He was tasked with reviewing the club’s current scouting and recruitment structure, also helping Neil Lennon bolster his first team squad with signings during the summer transfer window.

So far the signs have been very positive. Players such as Christopher Jullien, Jeremie Frimpong and Mohamed Elyounoussi have been excellent acquisitions.

Lawwell appears delighted with his man.

As quoted by The Daily Record (AGM live blog, 11:46), he said this morning: “Nick Hammond has been exceptional. We got the right players in. The real core of the team are under long term contracts.

“We are stable on and off the pitch.

“Nick is rebuilding our recruitment department and we have high, high hopes for him. We have to find uncut diamonds and the basis is good recruitment.”

Recruitment going well

They are exciting comments and demonstrate there appears to be unity behind the scenes at Celtic Park.

Following the underwhelming reign of Lee Congerton as our recruitment guru, it certainly appears we are heading in the right direction.

If we can improve even more on our current recruitment processes then our immense current success will only continue.

Lawwell is also right to note the strength of the contracts given to our key assets. None of our biggest, and potentially most expensive, players are on the verge of an exit or showing any unhappiness. They are all tied down, with the Hoops holding all the cards in potential negotiations with cash-rich clubs.

When it comes to keeping the recruitment cycle going and selling stars at peak value, that’s absolutely key.

Clearly our transfer windows haven’t been perfect. Forward planning could have been far better for the European qualifiers for example, but it’s hard to argue against Lawwell’s optimism today.