Harmony is expected at a peacetime AGM which will see Celtic shareholders meet the board
Outsiders may find it difficult to understand, but the parties representing the team that dominates Scottish football do not always arrive at their annual shareholders’ meeting on good terms.
But this time, harmony is envisaged at a peacetime AGM, where Celtic shareholders will meet the board at Celtic Park, with £77 million in the bank and the club striving to achieve unprecedented success. In recent years, anger levels have ranged from pure fury to mild annoyance. Many people have long lamented Celtic’s lack of success in Europe; nevertheless, it appears like they are reversing 20 years of continental blunders. And there are no contentious issues overshadowing the conference, no Bernard Higgins-style drama, and no outrage over signings.
Celtic fans expect more, which is reflected on the pitch as they aim for their 13th Premiership title in 14 seasons.Big names such as Peter Lawwell, Michael Nicholson, and Brendan Rodgers will address their audience and create a new agenda.Record Sport helps you prepare for the big event.
This is a Rangers thing!
No, that is not an inside joke about the Ibrox faithful claiming Celtic fans’ favourite pastime is following their local rivals’ fortunes. This is basically a ticketing dispute, and Celtic couldn’t be more adamant about it; they see Rangers as ticket sinners and will not back down. Rodgers claimed unequivocally that the famous away atmospheres were removed entirely at the request of Ibrox decision makers. However, an upgrade is expected, as the first two derby matches only had home fans in attendance. Celtic believe they have done the necessary steps to safely lodge travelling Ibrox fans, but they have not received the same with Ibrox’s status in flux earlier this season. However, with the Rangers back at home, what will the plan be for the final two meetings? Fans wait with bated breath.
Brendan’s Vision
The boss’ stock has never been higher, as has his address, both in pre-recorded form and when he addresses his employees directly during the question and answer session. Rodgers has agitated more during his two combined stints at Parkhead, spanning more than five years. The 51-year-old wants to raise the bar on and off the pitch, and the club’s summer transfer spree was a sign of its aspirations.
But Rodgers, who is halfway through his three-year contract, will be an interesting listen as he discusses the current state of the Celtics and what lies ahead. Fans have a genuine sense that this Celtic team is as complete as any in modern history, and shareholders will be eager to hear what the Irishman has in store for the future.
Play it again, Peter and Michael?
Celtic fans believe they had a vital influence in signing Arne Engels, Auston Trusty, Luke McCowan, and Alex Valle for a total of £19 million during the deadline week. But, let’s be honest, the wheels were in action for the champions to close the window with a bang long before the chairman was challenged to “get the f******* money spent” by an enraged fan outside St Mirren’s stadium. Peter said ‘calm doon’ and it was proven correct.
But now comes the important part: will the response be stick or twist? Fans will be hoping for the latter. Punters want £11 million signings like Engels to become the norm, a trend-setting plan that sees Celtic acquire at a higher price and, as a result, cash in on fees that exceed the nearly £30 million they will receive for Matt O’Riley. Lawwell and CEO Nicholson will be questioned directly whether breaking their transfer record will become the norm.
The atmosphere created enhanced the spectacle of Celtic Women’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, but will a full-fledged, permanent section follow? It is not without its critics, and the outcome will reveal a lot about the club’s relationship with its most vociferous fans.
The club’s chairman would be quite entitled to go to bed early on Thursday night, anticipating a busy day with the microphone in his hand. He will be the hot name when punters get their moment to speak, and he will also be tasked with providing some light relief, as predecessor Ian Bankier did. Quips have never been an issue for the 65-year-old, who teased Rangers for offers from a “unknown universe” and attacked his opponents’ penalty record last year. Expect serious statements with a dash of humor.
It’s time to get your ticket.
We’re hitting that sign again, and the fact that we’re in 2024 isn’t good news for Celtic. The club’s brilliant supporters’ relations officer, John Paul Taylor, who is as good as anyone in his position in Britain, has had repeated requests over the years to set up a viable ticket exchange. However, no SLO, even one as great as Taylor, remains at the request of a team that has failed to implement it.
Celtic remains the most popular ticket in town, although there are still plenty of spares for home league games. Other clubs, competing sports, and forms of entertainment have strong trade networks in place. However, Celtic do not, which upsets fans who are unable to commit to season tickets and denies day-trippers the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about. Fans demand more than just incremental changes.Celtic remain the trendiest ticket in town, but they still have plenty of spares for home league games. Other clubs, competing sports, and types of entertainment have effective exchange networks in place. But Celtic don’t, which frustrates fans who can’t commit to season tickets and denies day-trippers the opportunity to see what all the excitement is about. Incremental updates are insufficient, and fans expect more.
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