David Low and Duncan Smillie have taken to social media as Celtic Supporters Limited is properly launched.
Low, Smillie and Peter McGowan had originally intended being elected onto the Celtic Trust in September but decided against that option.
Since then the Celtic Fans Collective has been formed, the Celtic board has wilted under the first signs of criticism with Peter Lawwell scurrying out the door as Chairman. Hopefully.
CELTIC SUPPORTERS LIMITED AIMS AND GOALS
Low’s profile has ensured that Celtic Supporters Limited has been noticed but the detail and purpose has been a little vague.
Over the last two days some meat has been put on the bones.
CSL isn’t a protest movement. It won’t be leading demos and rallies but is supportive of those sentiments.
There are two driving purposes behind Celtic Supporters Limited
- To reactivate the thousands of shareholdings that were taken out during the nineties with their rightful owners.
- To create a block of shareholding that can be a force for good. A block of 5% can call an EGM. A block of 25% can prevent a takeover of the club.
Celtic has done virtually nothing to maintain their register of shareholders.
In 1995 thousands bought in under Fergus McCann, AGMs were held in the stands inside Celtic Park, Dermot Desmond usually attended.
CELTIC CORPORATE FAILINGS
Recently the Kerrydale Suite has been adequate for hosting the AGM. Brian Wilson and Tom Allison contribute nothing but remain on board the gravy train with almost 50 years combined ‘service’.
Smillie and Low know that isn’t healthy. Smillie told the Celtic Exchange that there should be a five year fixed-term for Non Executive Directors. Beyond that they become part of the furniture, a fresh wave of ideas is needed. Male, pale and stale was mentioned.
CSL are looking for fans to contact them that think they are owners of Celtic shares. The name, address and date of birth of the person that bought the shares is required.
With that detail over a course of a few weeks and a couple of emails the rightful owner should be established.
Shares bought for £625 in 1995 are now worth around £2000, with around £500 due in dividends.
By reviving those shares the rightful owner will hopefully provide CSL with their proxy vote. If they want to sell their shares CSL will purchase them.
A membership scheme costing £10 a month will be put in place. The shares purchased by CSL will be owned by every member. After running costs everything raised by members will be used to purchase shares.
WHO OWNS CELTIC?
Currently Dermot Desmond and Lindsell Train own just over 50% of the Celtic shares. With possibly as many as 20% of shares dormant that 51% carries far more clout.
Beyond that Smillie believes that there are other significant shareholdings that might be sympathetic to CSL. Not selling them shares but pledging their proxy for the safety of the club, to create the 25% block.
The CSL needs to create a worthwhile block before they can get into discussions. James Mark Keane, son of John, a genuine Celtic fan, currently owns 6.25% of the Celtic shares. Getting him on board would be a massive step. There are others with notable shareholdings.
Social media is going to be an important battleground.
With Michael Nicholson unable to speak to anyone that isn’t called Gerry McCulloch the club is in a weak position.
THE NEW BATTLEGROUND
Thanks to ACSOM, the Celtic Exchange and other outlets supporters will understand what Celtic Supporters Limited is about.
Running to the Sunday Mail about bad boys setting up posters might have worked in the nineties, not so in 2025.
With fan media locked out of Celtic CSL has an open door to push at, direct communications to the people that they want to reach.
After the shambles of the AGM it is clear that Celtic are incapable of even carrying out the basics. Interim Chairman Brian Wilson is more street wise than the sensitive petal that is the departing Lawwell. Whoever is Chairman though there is a fear of allowing Nicholson to be questioned.
CSL appears to have taken time to work out their strategy.
Ultimately Smillie would like to see Celtic 51% owned by fans to keep the corporate vultures at bay.
That is an ambitious goal, but compared to Nicholson and Lawwell who have ambitions set at European group stage football it is one that many Celtic fans can agree with.
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