Celtic hand 80-year-old former Spurs boss David Pleat scouting role, with focus on English game

David Pleat, a former manager of Tottenham, has been added to Celtic’s English scouting team. At the end of the previous season, Spurs, a North London team, revealed that the 80-year-old would be leaving his position as coach, director of football, and consultant scout. Pleat, who is credited with signing Jan Vertonghen, Ben Davies, and Dele Alli, calls himself a “football obsessive.” The former Luton Town manager has also been offered a 12-month contract by Celtic head of recruiting Paul Tisdale to scout potential additions, mostly south of the border.

In a recent interview, former Mail Sport columnist Pleat, a 14-year Spurs consultant scout, criticized Tottenham’s decision to disregard his years of scouting expertise. “We don’t need eyes and ears anymore because it’s all data driven,” I was told when I was called in. What bullshit. When data complements, rather than replaces, eyes and ears, it’s all right. I refrained from arguing. I’ve had conversations with two or three folks regarding various topics. We shall see. However, I’m not done yet. How am I going to leave? I fear I am a complete nerd when it comes to football.

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