Davie Provan has highlighted a major piece of irony in the Dermot Desmond address to the Celtic supporters last week.
The Hoops’ majority shareholder took time to discuss a few questions regarding the managerial hunt, as well as his plans to stay as the club’s main influencer. It was an incredible piece of self-serving nonsense. Supporters came out of the interview not having a clue as to what kind of update they got.
However, it was interesting to note one point in particular. Desmond touched upon Celtic’s recruitment process for a new manager. And he stated that “there is a process which involves research, investigation, interviewing and negotiation”. To simplify, he basically means it’s a long drawn-out process.
But Provan has highlighted Desmond’s hypocrisy by putting focus on the bizarre permanent appointment of Neil Lennon back in 2019. In addition to that, the Sky Sports pundit claims he would have Roy Keane in “tomorrow”.
Speaking in his Scottish Sun column, Provan said: “Asked about his progress in finding a new manager, Dermot Desmond says: “As with any key appointment at Celtic, there is a process which involves research, investigation, interviewing and negotiation.”
“Not sure how he squares that with Neil Lennon being offered the job in the Hampden showers after a Scottish Cup final. Having appointed Brendan Rodgers and Gordon Strachan, Desmond has form and should back his own judgement.
He doesn’t need a committee meeting. For what it’s worth, I’d have Roy Keane tomorrow.”
Davie Provan right; Celtic appointment of 2019 goes in the face of Dermot Desmond remarks
This is an absolutely brilliant spot by Provan here. The appointment of Neil Lennon two years ago can safely be deemed as something so far removed from what Desmond outlined in his interview.
Where was the research and investigation part of appointing Lennon? Did he not realise Neil had made a bungling mess of appointments at Bolton and then Hibs? Did they not look into the fact it was always going to be a decision that angered the supporters?
It’s this inconsistent messaging that’s leaving us with zero trust in the board. You can’t take what they say at face value anymore, and it was no different with Desmond’s interview.
Granted, Provan is only right to a point. Not many will be demanding that Keane gets the Celtic job. Surely, that also flies in the face of this research that Celtic are apparently doing. You can’t honestly tell us you’re putting all of this background work into the appointment and then come out with Keane.
But Desmond would hardly surprise you. You can easily see Keane being his choice, especially given his own background and his admiration for the Man Utd legend on a personal level.
However, sentiment has to be taken out of it for this appointment. It’s far too crucial, and we let it get in the way when Lennon was appointed. Hopefully, the board sees some sense this time around.
In other news, we discuss why Celtic ticks Eddie Howe’s main box.
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