Celtic have been active off the field this week after installing Paul Tisdale as their new Head of Football Operations, working in conjunction with Brendan Rodgers and across other key club areas.
The 51-year-old brings a wealth of football experience after spells in the dugout at Exeter City, MK Dons, Bristol Rovers and Stevenage.
Miring his managerial experience with ventures off the field as a consultant, Paul Tisdale has vowed to drive a culture of ‘excellence’ at Celtic after coming in as a direct replacement for Mark Lawwell.
Already a familiar face in Glasgow’s east end, Tisdale assisted Celtic’s summer transfer business and has previously been seen attending matches, so his appointment has been a while in the making.
Looking at the situation objectively, many will deem the January window as his first acid test, with the Bhoys likely to be in the market for one or two reinforcements.
Brendan Rodgers will demand ‘quality’ Celtic January additions
First and foremost, Brendan Rodgers’ demands for ‘quality’ additions at Celtic have been heard loud and clear since his return to the club.
The Irishman referred to his desire for proven additions on several occasions last season, especially when faced with questions surrounding the robustness of his squad.
His comments last year look to have been heeded somewhat, with Celtic spending large fees on Arne Engels and Adam Idah, among others. Auston Trusty also arrived for £6 million, illustrating that he is able to force the club to part ways with some of their significant cash reserves.
In keeping with the theme, the upcoming January transfer window will be geared towards quality over quantity. The Bhoys have a 25-man strong squad bristling with talent, so it is more likely one or two will enter the fold rather than a host of mid-season arrivals.
Tisdale will be charged with helping to solicit deals and undoubtedly has the expertise to craft some shrewd business after already playing a role in the summer.
However, the demand for players who can hit the ground running is more relevant than ever. There needs to be an element of quality control once the window opens for business.
What Brendan Rodgers has said about Paul Tisdale
After his arrival, Rodgers talked up the ‘talent’ Tisdale can bring to Celtic across areas related to his new designated position as Head of Football Operations.
The Irishman stated: “I am so pleased that we have been able to bring Paul to the club in this important new role and I am really looking forward to working with him. He is a hugely talented man who I know will make a real positive difference to us and give us a new edge.
“He knows modern football inside out, he understands what we need as a club, what our team needs to operate at a high level, and how we can develop positively and successfully across a number of functions within the club.
“I have known Paul for some time and have been well aware of his work. I know that he will be a huge asset to Celtic and that his knowledge, talent and tremendous work ethic will be crucial to us as we drive forward across a number of areas, always with the aim of delivering higher performance and more and more success.”
Seemingly already acquainted in a positive light, there is real optimism about the direction Celtic are going in as they vie for domestic success and progress in the Champions League.
Once Tisdale gets fully settled into life at the club, his focus will undoubtedly turn to shaping the future, starting with recruitment.
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