A report from the Sheffield Star has provided some clarity on whether Liam Shaw to Celtic is affected in any way by the Neil Lennon resignation.
Lennon was confirmed to have left the Parkhead club as recently as this morning. However, only two weeks ago he was confirming the signing of Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Shaw [Daily Record].
Interestingly, the former Hoops boss was asked about that singing as recently as last week. But when questioned at a presser, Lennon stated that he couldn’t discuss any details of it [Celtic TV].
Naturally, that, combined with Lennon’s departure, has left Sheffield fans desperately hoping for some good news. That the deal signed involved a clause that Lennon had to be the manager. Whilst it’s not usual practice, it’s a clause that can be used to protect all parties. Here’s a look at what some of the Sheffield fans have been saying:
Liam Shaw to Celtic still happening
The Star, however, has confirmed that’s not the case with Shaw. He is said to be joining Celtic on July 1st on a long-term contract. The deal is said to have been signed and that means, regardless of any managerial change, Shaw will be arriving as scheduled.
However, from a Celtic perspective, there is a more pertinent question to ask here. Just who was it that signed Shaw in the first place?
If it was indeed Lennon, why on earth would he have been given that responsibility? Especially considering he was evidently only one game from the sack at the time.
The more likely answer is that it was another figure in the background who okay’d this one. Perhaps a move from Head of Football Operations Nick Hammond to provide the development squad with some added quality after recent losses.
It’s perhaps a sign that Lennon didn’t exactly have full autonomy when it came to signings. That’s not something a top manager, or one of the quality we would hope to attract, would ideally want to work under. Celtic need to make themselves as attractive a package as possible. Especially with the club likely to lose key assets this summer.
Regardless, Shaw looks all but set to become a Celtic player. Lennon leaving hasn’t changed that.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers has also been discussing Lennon’s departure as well as the importance of the Director of Football role.
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