Why the Celtic Academy restructure could be vital in reversing an unwanted trend

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic have today announced several appointments within the youth set-up as part of a reshuffle to maximise the output of youth talent at Parkhead.

Supporters already know by now that Brendan Rodgers is keen to cultivate internal talent during his second spell, something that could be accelerated by the steps that have been put in place.

Summarising new hires, Stephen McManus is now the sole head coach of Celtic B, with Darren O’Dea moving to a new role as Professional Player Pathway Manager.

Jonny Hayes returns to the club as B Team coach and will gain greater visibility over the coming months. Meanwhile, Adam Asghar is now charged with leading the Under-18 side in conjunction with long-serving coach Chris Hendry.

Despite concerns from a portion of the support about the appointments, this shake-up was required, and there is a key unwanted trend that can hopefully be amended somewhat with a fresh approach.

Celtic and the struggle to retain prodigious talent

Admittedly, this is an area that has become well touched upon in recent years, but that doesn’t mean to say the importance of the matter is any less vital. Rocco Vata left Celtic for Watford last week after Celtic failed to extend his expiring contract despite several offers to stay at Parkhead.

Joining a list that includes the likes of Ben Doak, Vincent Angelini, Leo Hjelde and Karamoko Dembele, to name a few examples, the club has a problem when it comes to retaining talent; it cannot be spun any other way.

Bridging the gap between youth levels and the jump to the first-team has proven difficult. According to Fabrizio Romano, Daniel Kelly could be the latest to head elsewhere in January, with Bayer Leverkusen remaining interested in the youngster.

Money, facilities and the chance of a senior breakthrough all come into the thinking of future stars. Brexit has also altered how sides south of the border scout and recruit. Either way, something has needed to change for Celtic to stop haemorrhaging talent. Hopefully, some fresh impetus in key roles can have the desired effect.

Staff at the club work extremely hard to nurture the next generation. Despite this, only Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh are Lennoxtown-trained men who have gone on to establish themselves in the main squad.

Celtic aren’t immune to this if you look across the Scottish Premiership; involvement of homegrown players at other native clubs isn’t what it should be across the board.

Nevertheless, that cannot be peddled as an excuse; youngsters will continue to depart without the incentive of a breakthrough at Celtic.

Whether fair or otherwise, this restructure will be judged as a success based on this particular circumstance changing for the better, something every fan wants to see occur.