Motherwell have just shown Celtic that speaking to supporters properly does not mean giving away any trade secrets. It means treating fans like adults.
Chairman Kyrk Macmillan’s latest club update covered the manager recruitment process, stadium renovations, European football and season ticket campaigns.
That should sting a little at Celtic, especially Brian Wilson, because Motherwell have just exposed one of the club’s biggest weaknesses.
What did you make of Brian Wilson’s statement on the Ibrox row?
Let us know in the comments.
Motherwell show Celtic what proper fan communication looks like
This was not Motherwell handing over private documents or naming transfer targets. It was a chairman explaining what the club is doing and why supporters should buy into it.
Wilson has attempted this twice now, yet Celtic supporters are still waiting to hear where the club is heading, how recruitment will improve and what the long-term plan is for Europe.
There is a huge difference between protecting club business and saying almost nothing until there is an announcement to make
Motherwell have also asked fans for feedback through a supporter survey, which makes the point stronger. They are not just talking at supporters, they are asking them what they think.
Compare that with Wilson continually being called out by Celtic fans, and the contrast could hardly be clearer.
Celtic need to do better with fan engagement
Celtic are a far bigger club with far bigger demands. That is exactly why communication should be better, not colder.
No Celtic fan expects the board to reveal transfer talks, contract negotiations or private footballing matters. But supporters do expect to hear where the club is heading from the people running it.
Regular updates would not stop criticism. They would stop the silence filling the gaps.
Motherwell have shown that clear communication is not complicated. Celtic should be capable of doing much, much better.
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