Veteran journalist Hugh Keevins has moved to set the record straight on Peter Lawwell’s role in Celtic’s transfer business, insisting the chairman has “nothing whatsoever” to do with player recruitment.
Lawwell’s return to the club as non-executive chairman was met with scepticism by sections of the support, with some now pointing fingers in his direction after a slow summer window. However, Keevins says criticism is being aimed at the wrong person.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, he explained: “Peter Lawwell has personally assured me that he has nothing whatsoever to do with transfers. Nothing at all. He may be the chairman of the club, but he has told me, and in no uncertain terms, that he has nothing to do with transfers.
“So, you’re looking at Michael Nicholson, who’s the CEO, and all of those in the recruitment department.”
While Brendan Rodgers has publicly voiced his desire for more additions before the window closes, Keevins’ comments make clear that any decisions on incoming or outgoing players this summer lie with Nicholson and the club’s recruitment team, rather than Lawwell himself.
It would be good if we had some communication with the board. Even if Nicholson or someone like Paul Tisdale sat down and explained to fans, in an official capacity, Celtic’s transfer strategy. Is it a case of waiting until the English leagues are back to bring up some players from down there, or has there been a lack of quality players on the market?
Not many fans understand what goes into a transfer, who identifies, makes the phone call, how negotiations work and who has the final say. Many clubs’ sporting directors and CEOs address fans, so why can’t Celtic?
