Dermot Desmond has never been the most popular figure at Celtic.
Desmond, who has been Celtic’s majority shareholder since the 2000s, continues to decline in popularity after Brendan Rodgers’ transfer demands were once again not met this summer.
Patience is running out among Celtic fans as the Irish billionaire’s role is fiercely criticised. A recent support-wide letter to the club has been acknowledged by CEO Michael Nicholson.
Given the club’s ownership model and Desmond’s unwillingness to sell his shares, meaningful change any time soon is unlikely, despite an appetite clearly existing.
And as fans wait for the club to officially address the letter, one club expert has given a damning verdict on the 75-year-old’s role and behaviour.
Celtic expert Stephen McGowan says Dermot Desmond ‘acts like an owner when he isn’t’
Some Celtic fans have been discussing what can be done to take action against the club’s current ownership for a number of years.
The club’s business model has made the club more financially sustainable than ever – but profits have, at times, been over-prioritised in the eyes of many.
For knowledgeable Celtic expert Stephen McGowan, speaking on PLZ Soccer, there is very little that fans can do.
McGowan said: “You have a controlling shareholder who has 34% of the shares officially, but 100% of the say. He behaves as if he owns the club when he doesn’t – as if he is the majority shareholder when he is not.
“He is a such a wealthy and powerful man, no one can go up against him. You have a man who can withstand anything. If the fans boycott and don’t turn up for Europa League games? Celtic have £70-80 million in the bank.
“They’ve got insurance for a rainy day, so boycotts will be utterly futile. Supporters are impotent. There is very, very little they can do.”
Despite maintaining an important role in the running of Celtic, Desmond rarely speaks publicly about his involvement – he is much more often seen playing golf.
Does Celtic’s transfer window change Brendan Rodgers’ relationship with Dermot Desmond?
Ever since coming his first spell at Celtic Park, Brendan Rodgers has been careful about the words he uses when speaking to the media in Scotland.
The Northern Irishman has consistently been positive on his relationship with Desmond, insisting that they remain in regular dialogue.
However, given the Parkhead boss’ ongoing contract situation, a renewal currently looks unlikely after his demands were not met in the summer transfer window.
If Rodgers’ relationship with Desmond is an open and honest one, to be a fly on the wall in the room with them would certainly be interesting.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
