The Celtic Trust have blasted the Bhoys board after a sensational, shocking day of events at Paradise.
The Trust, who have campaigned on a Shares for Tickets platform this season, has grown in membership. They’ve worked on a number of key campaigns, including the introduction of safe standing, and removing advertising from junior kits.
However, the Trust last night claimed that the relationship between themselves and Celtic has become irrevocably damaged. Having offered supporters many promises with their season ticket for 21-22, it became clear that this was done without assurances over a new manager. Celtic supporters, en masse, believed that Eddie Howe would be through the door before too long.
In fact, the wait for a manager in and of itself was a huge problem. In the months since Neil Lennon departed Celtic, fan discontent has grown exponentially. And, considering the protests in January, disillusionment and anger was already rife.
“The Celtic Trust no longer consider a relationship to be in place between The Trust and Board. It is clear that the PLC Board and Execs are unfit for purpose. We will not engage with them whilst The Trust, it’s members and the wider support are treated with such contempt.”
The Celtic board’s uneasy relationship with supporters has become far more toxic
Back in January, the Trust told 67 Hail Hail:
“There is usually an upturn in members when bad things happen to team or the directors. Poor team results and Dubai are good examples of that.”
So, you can reasonably expect supporters, even those who might’ve been turned off by activism more generally, to be looking to The Celtic Trust. We’ve reached a crucial juncture here. Not since the era of the Kellys has fan disillusionment been this rife.
The fact that the Trust, who have had the board’s ear to some degree for a generation, are going to completely disengage? That’s a statement and a half. Supporters groups, like Celtic Shared, The Green Brigade and others could be looking at the Trust as an example to follow, here.
That puts pressure on the next Hoops manager. Whoever they are, and the momentum seems to be with Ange Postecoglou, they have to appease both a board on the ropes and a support yearning for change at the top.
What a state of affairs the club have got themselves into.
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