Celtic has collided with Supporter Fury about the suppressed transfer window activity, claiming UEFA regulations will prevent them from simply raiding their substantial cash reserves. Despite the enduring appeal of Parkhead managers for improving quality, the obvious resistance to backing up Brendan Rogers has prompted fans to target CEO Michael Nicholson and Chairman Peter Lowell.
Supporters are questioning why the substantial funds generated from recent Champions League runs have not been reinvested more in the first team. There has also been a call for greater transparency and dialogue with the supporter group regarding the decision to transfer the boardroom.
Hoops has now issued a broad statement addressing these concerns, pledging to improve communications, pointing to UEFA sustainability regulations, as a reason their large bank balances are barely touched when hiring new talent.
The statement said: “We would like to thank the alliance of the Celtic Proponents Association yesterday (Friday) a constructive meeting with representatives of the Celtic Proponents Association, the registered Celtic Proponents Club and the Irish Association of Celtic Proponents Clubs, and the club for more widespread communication of the members’ concerns and the Celtic Proponents’ concerns.
“The club takes the views of Celtic supporters very seriously, and the club understands concerns and frustration. We hear the views expressed by our supporters and welcome dialogues. We are always willing to learn lessons.
“Success in the field of play supports everything we do, and our long-standing club strategy is dedicated to that goal and we are always striving to achieve it.
“The transfer activity attracted enormous attention and speculation, especially across social media, and mainstream media commoditized the transfer window with a relentless search for content. We recognize that discussions on this subject reflect the passion of our supporters, with regard to Celtics. Unfortunately, there is often circular misinformation in media and social media.
“From meetings with supporter representatives and feedback from supporters over the last few weeks, it is clear that supporters are looking for clarity, so we want to address some key points directly.
“Like all our supporters, we are ambitious for the Celtics. Our common goal is to succeed in football. We are successful in Scotland and compete in the Champions League. Rather than competing in the Champions League this season, we are disappointed this season, but we are determined to succeed both domestically and Europe.
“But the club must adhere to our independent model. We protect the present, secure the future, and ensure that the Celts have become stronger for generations. The club’s models have been developed and applied over the years.
For the latest broken stories and headlines, sign up for the Daily Express Transfer Newsletter.
Plus, club models are not an option. It is currently essential as a result of UEFA sustainability regulations that clubs must follow. Wage and transfer expenditures are strictly controlled by UEFA regulations.
“Therefore, every investment decision must be guided by responsible forecasts of future revenues and cash flows. It is volatile by its nature. There is no compromise on the financial integrity of the club. In short, throwing money in a transfer or contract is not a sustainable route to success.
“For many years, careful management of the club’s model has allowed the club to keep their debts down and build strong cash reserves. In our approach, the cash reserves reflected in our accounts exist for the continuous improvement of Celtic Football Clubs and to manage the inherent volatility within football. How can club interests continue to develop clubs in the way that the clubs continue to develop within these parameters?
“The club is trying to ensure the development and progress of our academy players while taking responsibility for our recruitment and player trading strategies, consistently planning and ensuring the development and progress of our academy players while ensuring that our team can be strengthened over the short, medium and long term. Our aim is to create Champions League players.
“The recruitment process involves identifying players and conclusions on transfers. When players are ultimately confirmed by the football manager and then supported by the board in line with the club’s financial model, the club pursues its target to close the transfer within agreed parameters.
“Importantly, the ability to advance transfers is not subject to Champions League qualifications. We recognize the importance of timing. Our clear goal is to integrate new signatures as much as possible early in each transfer window to allow us to contribute from the start of the season.
“Unfortunately, there are many factors and challenges within the timescale we targeted, or in the transfer market at all, many of which cannot choose not to sell clubs seeking fees beyond our ratings, or rely on contract models for maximum prices for the end of the transfer window.
“It is not always possible to achieve all the objectives set within the transfer window. That’s a shame. We share the disappointment of our supporters and are constantly trying to improve our strategy and execution.
“A successful transfer can only be negotiated personally. If all stages are done in public, it is impossible to secure players. Sometimes other parties may try to leak information to the media and put pressure on them. The club’s position is clear. The transfer business will remain secret until the contract is terminated by the club and is announced.
“Therefore, much of what is written in the media and online about our transfer transactions is inaccurate. We also understand that this leads to frustration among supporters. We cannot comment during ongoing negotiations, but we are looking for ways to address the gap between reality once each transfer window closes and each transfer window closes.
“We thank Celtic’s supporters for their unparalleled passion and commitment. We all share the same ambitions. We hope that Celtic will succeed and ensure that while Celtic remains strong.
