Report: Ian Bankier expected to leave Celtic chairman role soon; more on McKay shared

By John McGinley

September 11, 2021

Dominic McKay may not be the only high profile Celtic exit this weather, with more changes at the board and the executive level expected soon.

That’s the word from Scottish Daily Mail journalist Stephen McGowan, who reports that chairman Ian Bankier is expected to be replaced shortly. [11/09 print edition, page 123]

There are also a few more details on the departure of Dominic McKay, with the journalist stating that his ideas were incompatible with prominent shareholder Dermot Desmond.

McGowan, writing a column in today’s paper, said: “Despite a club statement citing ‘personal reasons’ for a parting of the ways, it should be clear to all that McKay simply didn’t work out. His ideas were incompatible with the major shareholder and the board of directors. While he felt ready for Celtic, Celtic simply weren’t ready for him.

“It’s unclear what this means for the modernisation of the club. A change of chairman was always expected soon. Ditto a changing of the guard amongst non-exec directors. Where it leaves plans to appoint a director of football or head of recruitment remains to be seen.

“The appointment of club stalwart Michael Nicholson as interim chief executive marks a return to more familiar ground.”

So it seems Bankier isn’t long for his role, as well as some other prominent members of the board.

The current non-executive directors at Celtic are: Thomas Allison, Sharon Brown, Dermot Desmond and Brian Wilson.

Bankier has served as Celtic chairman since October 2011, so his exit would clearly be big news.

Some supporters groups such as The Celtic Trust and The Green Brigade have long called for change in the board, but it remains to be seen how extensive it will be.

Clearly prominent figures at the club aren’t afraid to hit the reset button right now given the sudden McKay exit.

Watch this space.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou delivers class response to today’s Green Brigade banner at Celtic Park.