If you were approached by Celtic, and had no connection to the club, how would you respond?
Obviously, I’m asking the wrong people; I’m relatively sure each and every person reading would be rushing to get a pen out to sign for the Bhoys. Even those of us who struggle to get through the first 10 minutes of a game of fives would be asking where the training gear is.
So, fine, ok. But picture it: you’re being approached by a club with no manager and no Director of Football. You know big players are going to leave and there’s a major tournament coming up. Objectively, if it wasn’t Celtic, you’d probably be viewing it as a massive risk.
It applies to any job with a management structure, in truth. Imagine a job interview where the people you’re hoping to impress won’t be there when you start? It’s a bizarre set of circumstances. And ultimately, it’ll hamper our plans to rebuild the squad.
Frankly, without a coherent vision, either tactically or from a recruitment perspective, it’s a hard sell. As a club, Celtic are gigantic, there’s no question, but the likes of Joshua King or Lewis Ferguson aren’t going to be overwhelmed by optimism if Celtic approached them. Only really dyed-in-the-wool Celtic supporters would ignore the chaos, because of what the club means to them.
Stating the obvious, but Celtic seem in no rush
What we collectively don’t know about Celtic’s recruitment drive could fill Paradise 10x over. What’s clear is that Eddie Howe is the front-runner, but the trail of a Sporting Director/Director of Football has gone cold. Given events this week, these things won’t be the priority at the club in this moment.
Still, the point remains: as a fanbase, we’re being left to twist in the wind, attaching our club’s name to players who are available, imploring the board to get a deal done. It’s par for the course during a transfer window, obviously, but there’s a real sense of jeopardy this time round.
Simply put, we can’t attract top players under the current set of circumstances.
With so many hoping to tie up their immediate future with the Euros approaching, it’s time we can ill-afford to waste. We’re in the bizarre scenario of collectively knowing what Celtic need, but having to be patient for key parts to fall into place.
We can only hope that patience will be rewarded. Let’s be honest; most of the season has been spent anticipating this summer. Certainly, the back half of 20-21.
The Celtic board have got it so, so right before. And maybe, our waiting is exacerbated by outside factors this time. So there’s still hope.
Still, the pressure is very much on. If we’re going to make a dent next season, we need some loose ends tied up pronto.
READ MORE: Euro 2020 is the perfect tonic for Celtic supporters
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
