The Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters Clubs has issued a strongly worded statement calling on chief executive Michael Nicholson to address the club’s direction and strategy.
The group, which represents Celtic supporters across the globe, has expressed alarm at what it describes as a lack of ambition from the board.
The criticism comes in the wake of a summer transfer window that ended in disarray. Key striker targets slipped away, with Kasper Dolberg returning to Ajax, David Datro Fofana choosing Charlton Athletic, and Adam Idah departing for Swansea City. Only Sebastian Tounekti arrived before the deadline, leaving the squad short ahead of vital fixtures.
The Affiliation argues that Celtic’s failure to adequately prepare for Champions League qualifiers is part of a repeated pattern under the current leadership. Despite the club posting healthy financial results, the group claims investment on the pitch has not matched ambition off it.
They are now demanding Nicholson outline the club’s vision and explain the reasoning behind what supporters see as another wasted window.
The statement read: “The Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs wishes to express growing concern over the club’s current trajectory and apparent lack of ambition – particularly the failure to strengthen the squad ahead of this season’s crucial UEFA Champions League qualifiers, despite robust financial results.
“This concern has been echoed not only by supporters but also by manager Brendan Rodgers and club captain Callum McGregor.
“The recurring failure to adequately prepare for key European fixtures has become a troubling pattern, raising serious questions about the club’s strategy, planning, and competitive priorities.
“We call on CEO Michael Nicholson to provide a clear and direct explanation to supporters and shareholders – outlining the club’s long-term vision, its commitment to genuine footballing ambition, and the rationale behind the lack of visible progress in this summer’s transfer window.
“At a time when decisive leadership is needed, continued silence only deepens frustration.
“Celtic’s support demands transparency, accountability, and a plan that reflects both the aspirations of our fanbase and the full potential of Celtic Football Club.
“These concerns have been further compounded by the disarray witnessed on the final evening of the transfer window.”
The Affiliation’s intervention highlights the scale of unrest among the support base following what many regard as a disastrous summer. For fans, the lack of clear communication from the boardroom has become as concerning as the failure to land players.
With Brendan Rodgers and Callum McGregor both voicing concerns about the depth of the squad, the group insists the board can no longer ignore the issue. The demand for transparency is being echoed by pundits and supporters alike, piling pressure on Celtic’s hierarchy.
Attention will now turn to the release of the club’s annual report later this month, when Nicholson, Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond are expected to break their silence. Whether their message will satisfy supporters remains to be seen, but the Affiliation has made clear that patience is running out.
The fear for many is that unless the board changes course, Celtic risk repeating past mistakes on the European stage and squandering their financial strength at a time when real ambition is needed most.
