Paul Tisdale is set to be announced as Celtic’s new head of recruitment, and former striker Chris Sutton has been sharing his thoughts on the situation.
Reports this week indicate Tisdale will take up that position at Celtic, with the initial remit to review the club’s recruitment, scouting, data use, and coaching development.
Tisdale has had a long career in football prior to this Celtic link up, most notably a 12-year management stint with Exeter City. In recent years he’s been working as a consultant, mostly on a self-employed basis.
Celtic fans don’t really know what to make of it all, knowing that there hasn’t been much stability in this position in recent years. Lee Congerton, Nick Hammond and Mark Lawwell have all passed through.
However, Sutton thinks there could be some substance this time around after what he’s heard from contacts down south.
Chris Sutton has his say on Paul Tisdale to Celtic
He said in his Daily Record column this weekend, “Celtic fans shouldn’t rush into any judgements. I’m not sure how the Trilby hat or cravats would go down in Glasgow but by all accounts there is a bit of substance behind the style.
“Speaking to people in England, Tisdale has a strong reputation in the game and is generally regarded as knowing his stuff. Celtic are on the search for someone to take over as head of football operations and this guy might fit the bill.
“It would certainly be an interesting appointment. Tisdale spent years as manager at Exeter City and it’s well known how he took the club through the divisions and was there to bring through talents such as England’s Ollie Watkins and Wales cap Ethan Ampadu.
“He’s been working as a self-styled ‘football doctor’, which might sound a bit much but he has obviously impressed with his work enough to have had an input into several clubs in the Premier League. Celtic could be next. The thing about Celtic though is they may be bringing in a doctor but there won’t need to be extensive surgery.”
Brendan Rodgers still calling the shots at Celtic
Sutton goes on to note that Brendan Rodgers still holds power at Celtic, but Tisdale’s appointment will allow him to delegate tasks and focus on developing the team.
From the outside looking in, it appears Rodgers has had a big say in Tisdale’s arrival. The former Exeter man has already worked for the club during the summer and is reported to have been aiding the recruitment department.
That suggests the Celtic manager is more than happy to have him on board. That’s important because this needs to be a functional relationship that brings unity to the club.
Competing ideologies would not be helpful at all. If Tisdale and Rodgers are on the same page, then it can only strengthen the football department over time.
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