BBC Radio Scotland pundit Michael Stewart reckons the strength of leadership coming from Ange Postecoglou will ensure Celtic don’t hit the rocks in the wake of Dom McKay’s departure.
McKay left his post on Friday just over two months after officially taking up the position of CEO.
It was a massive shock for more supporters, especially since he was heralded as the long-term replacement for Peter Lawwell who would bring new modern ideas to the club.
McKay and Postecoglou were unveiled in front of the media and fan media at the same time. Naturally, questions could be raised about what it all means for the Bhoys on the pitch as well as off it.
Stewart reckons the most important thing for Celtic right now is that they have a man like Postecoglou in place.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland [13/09, 14:40] over the weekend, he said: “The important thing from Celtic’s perspective is they’ve got the manager in place. That’s not to say it isn’t important that the Chief Executive has left, it is, it raises questions.
“Inside the changing room, the players are not going to be focused on that. That’s why his influence on the changing room is so important. If you take that away there’s a complete rudderless club. The fact that Postecoglou has come in to settle the football side down is so important.
“But Celtic need to get their ship in order. In the short term it doesn’t have a destabilising effect, but in the medium and long term it is very important that Celtic get that side of the club in shape. It’s certainly raised some questions.”
I think this is bang on. The questions that Stewart says have been raised certainly have to be answered by the club.
We came up with a list on Saturday, so if you’re wondering what needs to be addressed, that’s a decent place to start.
Ultimately though, given the nature of football, if Postecoglou continues to deliver on the pitch then it is going to give the club itself much more time to sort itself out.
I think that’s the point being made. I don’t think Celtic are about to go off the rails on the pitch because of McKay.
However, I do think his exit and the subsequent reports of rancour paint Celtic in a chaotic light at boardroom level. That needs to be owned by the club and they need to communicate plainly with supporters about the future direction we’re taking.
In other news, Celtic Europa League opponent update: Discipline drama, toe-to-toe with elite.
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