For the third time in less than a month Brendan Rodgers has mentioned Dermot Desmond as Celtic’s decision maker. When big decisions are required he turns to his fellow Irishman, not his CEO Michael Nicholson
It is hardly a surprise to hear Desmond mentioned in that way but over recent weeks at his media conferences Rodgers has just naturally brought in the 74-year-old Non Executive Director, the largest individual shareholder in the club.
Fergus McCann brought Desmond to the club during the 1995 share issue, when McCann left in 1999 Desmond bought up the bulk of the shares but stayed below the 30% threshold that prevented him from having to make an offer to all other shareholders at the same rate.
At a further share issue in 2005 Desmond got permission to go above the 30% mark as he agreed to underwrite the issue.
Clearly he is a hugely significant figure at the club but he isn’t an employee or a board member, that is why clubs/companies appoint a Chief Executive Officer, Where the buck stops, the ultimate decision maker, someone who guides the various Heads of Department, the person that makes the big decisions.
Celtic have Nicholson.
Promoted to CEO in September 2021 after Dom Mackay lasted less than 100 days but long enough to pave the way towards success with the signings of Liel Abada, Carl Starfelt, Kyogo Furuhashi, Josip Juranovic, Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota and Giorgos Giakoumakis. An incredible period of recruitment which was basically funded by the sales of Kris Ajer and Odsonne Edouard following the horrendous handover from Peter Lawwell.
Nicholson has spoken in public just once, at the media conference to mark the return of Brendan Rodgers as manager in June 2023.
After Desmond made the breakthrough phone call, started negotiations Nicholson and Chris Mackay flew to Mallorca to convince Rodgers that Celtic had changed for the better since his February 2019 departure for Leicester City.
What Nicholson actually does is a mystery. His appearances at the AGM are underwhelming, jokes about ‘penalty to Rangers’ might go down a treat in the Celtic boardroom but don’t carry any clout elsewhere.
Over the last year his handling of the transfer deals involving Arne Engels, Adam Idah and Kyogo have left a lot to be desired, fortunately the success of the team manager has masked the failings of the CEO.
With no profile or voice it is difficult to put up any case for what Nicholson actually contributes.
At today’s media conference there were no shortage of mentions for Desmond, as usual Nicholson wasn’t even mentioned as an after thought.
3 minutes 40 seconds
The work that goes on here both on and off the park at Celtic Football Club from so many people from the very top – Dermot (Desmond) who has experience, knowledge and influence to manage everything and see it from a second position as such and his intellect and what he brings from the very top is so important. You get that right throughout the club.
That then moves to me in terms of looking after the performance. From that, you know your responsibility as a manager here. You have to drive your players to deal with the expectations of our supporters which we cherish, because that all pushes you to the best you can.
To live with all of that and deal with all of that 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that is a challenge. For the players to come through that challenge and be successful with it is what you would want from your club.
At 9 minutes 30 Rodgers returned to discussing his return to Celtic in June 2023:
I will always be eternally grateful to Dermot for bringing me back because without his support and his belief in me I wouldn’t have this chance, the opportunities to win the trophies.
On March 28, asked about getting Daizen Maeda on a new contract Rodgers said
Absolutely, if there is that possibility to do that. There’s absolutely no doubt, he earns every penny and we feel as a club he deserves more, so we want to do that. But, of course it has to work both ways.
I’ve spoken with Dermot and the club and spoken with the player and, hopefully in the future, that is something that can be done.
He’s been absolutely brilliant for us this season. Wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. So of course, you would love to tie up one of your best players.
On April 12, discussing his own contract Rodgers said:
For any avoidance of doubt, because I was surprised when I got asked the question, I think if you were sat in my press conference here on the very first day I arrived, I promised unless I was removed I’d be here for three years minimum. So nothing changes.
There’s absolutely no doubt, unless Dermot tells me differently in the summer, I will be excited and ready for the beginning of the season.
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