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Financial Matters Laid Bare

Charlie Saiz has recovered from bleeding eyes, incurred whilst researching money matters,  and sends us this 

Celtic Fc Financial Matters 1999-2005


Pre Martin O’Neill
http://www.thecelticwiki.com/page/Celtic+Financials+-+Annual+Report+1999

Year 1999 Summary:
Turnover – £33.84m
Operating Expenses -£27.086m
Pre Tax Profit (loss)- £6.754m
Profit(loss)After Tax-£1.013m
Net (debt)/funds at 1 July-£(2.169m)

Martin O’Neil Era Begins:
http://www.thecelticwiki.com/page/Celtic+Financials+-+Annual+Report+2000

Year 2000 Summary:
Turnover increased by 14% to -£38.58m
Operating Profit -£4.68m
Operating Profit(loss) After Tax -£(5.98m)
Operating Costs up by 25.2% to -£33.90m (Due to increase in wages)

“At 30 June 2000, the Company’s net debt was £14.5m which was well within the unsecured bank facility agreed in May 2000 comprising of overdraft of £10.5m together with term loans of £21m, of which £6.4m is repayable in equal quarterly instalments from October 2009 until April 2019 and £14.6m is repayable in July 2019.”

*This is the start of the serious borrowing at the Club.

2001 Results (taken from the 2003 5 year report)
http://wikifoundryattachments.com/BeYA43ScSFJeN%24Lm6y%2B6Fg%3D%3D286171

Year 2001:
Turnover -£42,007 m
Operating Expenses-£? (In the £41m Region)
Profit from Operations-£871k
Profit (loss)After Tax-£ (8,123m)

Year 2002:
Turnover -£56,892m
Operating Expenses-£51,522m
Profit from Operations-£5,370m
Profit(loss) After Tax-£(3,039m)

NET DEBT as of 1st July 2002 -£29,625m

Year 2003:
Turnover -£60,569m
Operating Expenses-£53,839m
Profit from Operations-£6,730m
Profit(loss) After Tax-£(11,659m)

NET DEBT as of 1st July 2003-£16,473m
(This was the year of the share Issue so Debt has been halved.)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Page 30)
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2003
>>>Total operating expenses 2003-£65,043m 2002-£60,336m <<<<

“Loans repayable by instalments include bank loans of £18.00m (2002: £16.00m). These loans bear interest at
London Inter-Bank Offered Rate plus 1.125%. These loans form part of a £24.00m loan facility which is repayable
in equal quarterly instalments from October 2009 until April 2019 and £16.69m is repayable in July 2019. The
Company has the option to repay the loans earlier than these dates without penalty. The bank loans are secured over
Celtic Park. ”

2004 Annual Report
http://wikifoundryattachments.com/VjnQiWMllPK5XY68%24jLttQ%3D%3D1675389

2004 Summary:
Turnover- £69,020m
Operating Costs-£64,150m
Profit £4,870
Profit(loss)After Tax £(7.471m)
Net Debt 1st July £17,782m

“Loans repayable by instalments include bank loans of £16.00m (2003: £18.00m). These loans bear interest at London
Inter-Bank Offered Rate plus 1.125%. These loans form part of a £24.00m loan facility which is repayable in equal quarterly
instalments from October 2009 until April 2019 and £16.69m is repayable in July 2019. The Group has the option to repay the
loans earlier than these dates without penalty. The bank loans are secured over Celtic Park.”

So in effect we now owed the Co-op £24m at this point after raising a share Issue this model is becoming unsustainable it would appear.

Peter Lawwell joins the Club:
2004 Peter Lawwell (appointed) Wage
Salary £102,884
Bonus £38,582
Benefits £9,063
Pension £15,432
Total £165,961

Martin O’Neills Final Season 2005
2005 Annual Report (cant find 2005 so using figures supplied in this Report 2006)

http://wikifoundryattachments.com/sy8S1b0VBIedxsj7B9c1AQ%3D%3D2027073

2005 Summary:
Turnover 2005 £62.17m
Operating Costs £58.07m
Profit (Loss)After Tax £8,706m
Net Debt-£19.5m

“Loans repayable by instalments include bank loans of £12.00m (2005: £19.50m). These loans bear interest at London Inter-Bank Offered
Rate plus 1.125%. These loans form part of a £24.00m loan facility which is repayable in equal quarterly instalments from October 2009
until April 2019 and £16.69m is repayable in July 2019. The Group has the option to repay the loans earlier than these dates without
penalty. The bank loans are secured over Celtic Park and land at Lennoxtown.”

Skip forward to 2014:

Turnover-£64.74m
Operating Expenses-£59.89m
Profit before tax £11.17m
Year end net cash at bank £3.83m

2014 Peter Lawwell Wage
Salary £524,576
Bonus £400,500
Benefits in kind £17,312
Pension Contributions £57,108
Total £999,496

Food for thought ?

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Charlie Saiz
8 years ago

I thought It best to put down some hard figures for folk to actually look at rather than simply go off say so and heresay when discussing why it is we ditched the spending we deployed under Martin O’Neills reign at the Club.
We were a Club needing to spend at this point having just spent a decade watching Deadco swagger to 9 in a row.
This was a period of stengthening and creating a side capable of winning thing s again and so it cost alot of money to do so.
So much so we are still paying it off.
Hence the reason why we changed tact when the forces of darkness imploded as they lost out in the arms race.
We still owed £14.4m to the Co-Op when these 2014 Accounts were released in fact we renegotiated the Interest but the fact remains this has to be in full by July 2019.
Hope all this clarifies it for Monti and whoever else wondes where our profits went every year in recent years.
If you note during MON’s tenure we were losing millions every year somewhere in the region of £36m in 5 years.

Monti
8 years ago

Q. So why doesn’t Dermot clear any and all debt from his own wealth, he can afford to can’t he?
If he doesn’t want to do that then sell up to someone who will!
It is pathetic that a billionaire majority shareholder won’t put his hand in his pocket and raise this club up to where it should be, it is shameful and he needs to fuck off along with his Tory pals on the board, they are a fucking disgrace to Celtic, they feed off the emotional attachment of the supporters while Downsizing the club.

Let’s put it this way then, if I were the billionaire and in Dermot’s position at Celtic park, that stadium would have it’s main stand rebuilt to bring it up alongside the rest of the stadium, there would be no debt, there would be a team on the park in Hoops who had the opposition quaking before kick off, the stands would be full and we WOULD be a Champions league side every fucking season!

It’s my vision for the club….What’s your vision Dermot?

Game of golf anyone?

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

In answer to the question why should he bother when the Support are doing it for him?
As well as paving the Celtic Way and every other improvement going on around the Stadium.
I have a theory he and the rest of the “Investors” are using Celtic as a pension fund as well as a conversation stater at posh dinners.
Let the Support pay for the improvements alonside players sales then when it comes for time to move on and take up Golf 7 days a week then simply float your shares and make a killing.
Monti we all would do things a bit differently if we were Billionaire business men.
We are all emotionally tied to Celtic in a way the suits will never truly understand.
Celtic was never his No1 priority bud making money is what floats his and their (suits) boats.
They will Milk you for all you are worth for as little outlay as possible it’s all a bout the percentages at the end.
Put £5m in get £20m out ….Magic happy hoopy fuckin days if you are that way inclined.
They will never see it from a fan perspective bud time you accepted this.
Those who follow will be no different because these types are all cut from the same cloth.
Money Talks bullshit walks.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

Just check out PL’s jump in Pension Contributions in 10 years Ralph.
2004 £15,432 Per Annum
2014 £57,108 Per Annum

It’s more than tripled.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie Saiz,
I agree with you and I do know their thought process on that board.

It isn’t the same thought process as most of the support!

Monti
8 years ago

Charlie Saiz,
Peter Lawwell is always telling us we have this worldwide support and fan Base, yes?
If that’s the case, do Lawwell and the board not have the business acumen to tap onto those streams and raise multi millions for the club?

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti I sent Peter Lawwell a letter about 4 year ago regarding this subject.
He replied much tomy suprise and relief which told me what hI had to say may just have made him think.
I suggested that if someone was to setup a Marquee Player fund and ask fans to donate a £5 to it every year then if only 50% of the 9 million (the figures beind banded about at the time)supporters Worldwide chipped in the Fund would have approximately £22.5m hitting that Account every year for players.
I even suggested they could take say 15-20% of that and donate it to the Celtic Foundation for worthy causes.
He said that they had been looking at something similar recently.
I showed him the fan led fund raiser at Koln when they brought Podolski back to the Club by buying a Pixel Pic of him (each donation filled a square).
To prove not only it could be done but that fans would be willing to part with a Fiver if it meant 2 maybe 3 players of decent quality arriving at Celtic every year AT NO EXTRA COST TO THE CLUB.

Paul
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

This in a nutshell is EXACTLY what they SHOULD be doing in my opinion.. The inertia is what troubles me … The seemingly lack of business forward planning … The markets are there .. We are a global brand so the opportunity exists .. For example Corinthians have just signed a deal with Napster the online music site … Thinking outside the box and reaching further markets is what the board should be interrested in doing .. As they are operating as a business aren’t they ??

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Paul

Spot on Paul there are so many avenues that could be gone down.
For example there is I think an opportunity missed regarding the sales of Bottled water and Craft Ale.
Thee is a Bottled Natural Spring Water Company and Brewery located near the Birth place of Brother Walfrid with a bit of clever marketing Celtic could approach these two Businesses and have their own Special Celtic Edition from the source of our humble beginnings?
Would you Drink a Celtic Ale?
A Natural Spring Water bottled at sourced from Sligo?
They need to start thinking outside the box here it is a brand driven world we operate in now.
They Keep harping on about being a Global Brand then they should be tapping into Markets folk may appreciate and buy into.
Here’s the two businesses I was referring too:
http://thewhitehag.com/
http://www.glencarwater.ie/

Gerry
8 years ago

I think part of the issue is with our operating expenses; why are we paying big wages to mediocre players? The weekly wage has gone crazy in football, and I applaud our club for capping it as best they can and dealing with the prima donna modern footballer as best they can. But lots of our squad must be earning £750k-£1m a year, and I would suggest (without facts to back it up due to my laziness) that the Basle/Malmo/Zagreb/Salzburg ilk of European football have as good or better squads with a fraction of the wage bill. Are we suffering big club mentality whist only having a big club fanbase and history. If we have to pay premium wages just because we’re Celtic then I’d hope at least for a few premium players.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Gerry

Glad you touched on wages Gerry because one of the main things that pisses me off about player wages is this notion of players kicking off about another players salary?
I will give an example here.
Back in the day it was common knowledge Larsson was on more money than the bulk of the Celtic squad in fact in final years of contract Celtic apparently offered him 40k a week in his final year of playing to which Henrik himself knocked back and told them 35k was enough and they should put the extra 5k towards his replacement?
Thing is no other player (as far as I am aware) was at the Managers door asking for 40 k or even 35k a week same as him.
The reason being I believe they understood he was a better player and therefore entitled to a better wage?
Not so nowadays we have players moaning about other players wages if they get wind of it?
Seriously what the fuck has another players finances got to do with them?
You are rated at a certain wage because of your ability and what you bring to the team.
Time served at the Club
Amount of Games you play
Your level and standad of performance
Should be a bearing on what you are actually worth.
ie should Derk Boerrigter be getting the same wage as say Leigh Griffiths?
Should he fuck and it should be no concern of his what Griffiths earns anyway as he is out there producing the goods on a weekly basis.
Marquee Players ie your Moravciks Larssons and Nakamuras are the men who put the bums on the seats,who fire the imagination and who ultimately bring in the extra cash through the turnstyles.
They always have done and as a result they should be getting paid more.
Those who have an issue with that should in my opinion be told to shut the fuck up or shown the door.

Gerry
8 years ago

Post lost.

schoosh71
8 years ago

‘If’ I was in charge, I’d take Celtic merchandising to a whole new level. I’d have Celtic car & home insurance, Celtic internet provider, Celtic gas & electricity, Celtic banking facilities, everything right down to toothpaste, bread and milk. Even green beans, much better that those orange ones. It’s time PL earned his bonus, by thinking outside the box to bring additional revenue to the club. Only my opinion.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  schoosh71

100% Spot on.
I had some correspondence with Peter Lawwell a good while ago bud and it was along the lines of this.
You see I had an idea that the Club could tap into the wider Support by offering a similar setup to the one FC Koln did when they brought Lukas Podolski back to the Club
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/2009/02/04/fc-koln-find-unique-way-of-funding-podolski-transfer/
I said why did the Club not operate a Marquee Player Fund at Celtic where the wide Support (said to be approx 9m worldwide at the time)were invited to pay a Fiver each (“for every fiver “David Murray)into a Fund and those funds generated could go towards buying several Marquee players?
If 50% of the supposed 9million did so that fund would mean a kitty of over £22m.
EVERY YEAR.
I also suggested that the Club could with (fan approval obviously)Donate say 10-20% to the Celtic Foundation meaning they could do more in the Community and beyond in keeping with Club traditions.
He repiled and stated they were considering something similar in the pipe line.
That was 4 year ago …Nothing has transpired.
Can you imagine the side we would have right now had it done so?

8 years ago

… Can’t believe we have people expecting DD to be a sugar daddy. That’s not going to happen, not in Scotland anyway.

It’s illogical and would be extremely irresponsible. You might get sugar daddies in England where they have competition and need to spend crazy money to have a chance at success but we can, and are, winning while living within our means so why would or should that change?

“We’re on our way to 10 in a row but why not spend over the top and get ourselves into serious debt (whether a guy with a moustache decides to finance it or not – completely oblivious to the FFP rules) because it’ll be more fun that way?”

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Malone Bhoy

I agree it’s not the way forward for a Club with our traditions.
What fans don’t realise is when they bored playing with the train set they simply put it down and buy a new toy.
I think a fan Controlled Celtic like the model in Germany would be our best option once DD and co go.
I personally would like to see a new Share Issue and these lot sold up and fucked off allowing genuine fans with collateral to take some control at the Club.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Malone Bhoy

Malone,
I don’t expect everyone to agree with me regarding my opinion on Dermot, but I hope you can see past that and understand I just want Celtic to be doing better,on and off the park.
It is my opinion this board cannot take the club forward using their current strategy.

So in the words of ‘ Bricktop ‘ from the film ‘ snatch ‘….. ” They can fuck off “!

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

It’s your opinion Monti it does not matter who agrees or disagrees mate you are entitled to it same as everyone else.
He could do more that’s the bottom line.
He choses not too.
That’s the reality.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

And his prerogative.

Peter
8 years ago

Interesting article. I put together a snapshot of the last 5 years financial results because I wanted to see where the money from CL and player sales have gone. I don’t really know if I was able to figure it out but here are my thoughts on two things that stand out;

1) We appear to be living above our Scottish means. Realistically, we should only be budgeting on EL money coming in each year based on winning league. If we manage to qualify for CL group stages then that should be considered bonus. Based on this revenue model we can expect Revenue of about £50-60M range. But yet we are running operating costs of essentially same.

Probably 2 reasons for that; we are paying out some pretty good salaries to players (some of whom earn it and some who don’t). However, something that is surely costing the club substantial money each year is the entire Academy/Youth set up. And yet, how many players actually come through this set up and make the team? Very few is my answer to that as almost anytime we need a position filled we go out and sign someone from another team/league. So is our Academy not producing good enough players for 1st team? If the answer to that is yes then we should question why we have such a huge set up. If the answer is no, then why are more of them not making it through to the 1st team instead of being shipped out on loan somewhere?

2) Executive Remuneration is now at almost £1.5M per year, up from £1.2M 5 years ago . Of this total, by far the largest beneficiary of wages/bonus/stock etc is one Peter Lawwell. He is raking in almost £1M per year. It appears that whatever “cutting of cloth” decisions that have been made over past few years since the demise of RFC has not filtered into the are of Executive compensation.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Peter

Hi Peter admiral of you to come in here and discuss your own bonus awardment bravo 😉
I think large portions of money have gone into paying of chunks of the Co-Op loans that have been an ever present since those heavy investment days under O Neill.
We lost £36m in 5 years during this period.
the overall Loans amounted to in excess of £31m I gather and it’s now down to around £12-14m (£14.4m as of Sep 2014).
Player transactions have helped greatly in this matter as has the 2 large revenue streams from the CL under Lenny.
The work undertaken around the ground plus as you say wonderful renumeration packages for Pedro and the Club Tie Brigade.
We have a few million sat in the Bank so the new approach is definitely working OFF THE PARK.
It’s finding the balance on it that seems to be the issue.
Though it’s not in a Suited Mans interest to put that first after all he has his divid end to consider after all.
The youth setup is costing too much.
£2.5m a year I have read?
I eckon we would be better getting it down to mibees 3 sides and concentrating on quality not quantity.
U17’s
U19’s
Development Squad.
Be better cherry picking from around the Country than having a staff of over 50 looking after umpteen teams at all age ranges.
Though there are a few now looking like coming through this time.
HH

Peter
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Hey Charlie; I wish it was my compensation!!!!! 🙂

I wasn’t able to find anything in the financial accounts that state how much the Youth setup costs us. But like you, I see too many teams/coaches etc. If it really is only £2.5m per year I could live with that but in absence of data I think it may cost good bit more than that.

Agree that hey have used the extra funds from last number of years to get rid of the debt. And I don’t see the problem being what they spend on players, its more that they have had more misses lately than hits with who they have signed.

There are no multi-million pound players that can be sold this year to cover any losses. From that standpoint, the team you see is the team we will have for probably next few years unless we supplement in January again. However, when I look at some of the players we have I am not sure that they are what we actually need.

IMO, many players on our team are average at best and are one-dimensional in their play. I actually think letting some go and promoting a few from Dev squad might help because the young lads are trying to prove themselves and will give it their all. You are correct about finding the balance, but biggest issue I have is with who is setting that balance and ultimately choosing who gets signed.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Peter

Theres a photo on the Club website taken with the entire Youth Setup in the photo I think I counted 56 coaching personnel around the kids.
56 ffs.
Now it could be some of those are backroom or office staff but 56 is some amount in wages I reckon.
If they slimmed it down to 3 teams and had them training alongside the Development and First team then I reckon the coaching would speed up the development further at less cost.
You spot on about this year having no gems to fall back on for sale but I reckon Bitton could go for a Ki type figure somewhere in the £6m region and possibly Johansen for around £5m if he picks his game up again to last Seasons levels.
With the likes of Rogic Allan Christie Henderson and McGregor in the background this could happen.
You ae also spot on about buying too many wankers who have cost us big time over the last few years for all the Wanyamas and Van Dijks we unearthed there are moe than a few Boerrigters Pukkis and Baldes to counter them.
I think we need a shake up in scouting myself.

scotsirish
8 years ago

Nether Desmond or any other busines man (even Fergus) will bankroll us without something in return, it’s completely unviable. The other problem is that even if we where to pay loads of money I doubt players would come, quality ones anyway. We’re seen to be playing in a diddy league and everyone wants to play in EPL. Another point is regarding our worldwide fans, I don’t think they’re as many as we think.I now live in Ireland and have been nearly 20yrs, I know exactly 2 genuine Celtic supporters! Most people support EPL teams and think our league is guff. All my wee boys mates are either into GAA or support EPL clubs. Add in Barcelona, Real Madrid and we’re way down the list. The sad reality is we’re not the big club many of us grew up with and with the way the finances are going we may never be.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  scotsirish

Scotsirish,
Sir Alex Ferguson was quoted a few years back saying ” Manchester utd couldn’t compete with Celtic in terms of worldwide fan Base ” his words not mine.

Maybe you should tell your boy about Celtic!

bob
8 years ago
Reply to  scotsirish

Don’t be saying that now scotsirish or Mongti will be going back to his roots.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  bob

Aah, Bob there you are my little Zombie troll, have the creditors been paid?

bob
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

That’s a new one Mong…….ti. I’m not the zombie who goes on Celtic forums to noise people up.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  bob

Have the creditors been paid Zombie?

8 years ago

I don’t think it’s a good idea to rely on a sugar daddy for revenue expenditure we have to be self reliant. If said sugar daddy walks away we are humped.

Capital expenditure on the other hand is a different thing. Like Monti I would love to see the main stand replaced in keeping with rest of the stadium – a true arena.

It would be a lasting legacy for DD if he so wished and could be called the Dermot Desmond Stand. I think that’s a safer way for him to plough money into the club.

Down with that sort of thing
8 years ago

Not much praise for the work of WGS in getting the wage bill down while delivering a couple of runs to the last 16 of the CL plus 3 titles in a row.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago

I’m all for praise of WGS I think he did a tremendous job given the circumstances bud.
However the question arose initially because there was a disagreement as to why it was not wise to go down the MON approach again at this juncture.
My argument was to do so right now given the financial predicament within our game right now….the absence of it/them (it is relevant btw and has fuck all to do with missing them Monti)is also a factor.
We lost over £30m in 5 years under MON that was not sustainable then and even less so now.

Monti
8 years ago

Scotsirish,
You only know two genuine Celtic fans in the whole of Ireland?
Hmmmm? Are you aware of how many Irish Celtic supporters club there are?
EPL clubs are well represented in Ireland due to the exposure of the EPL by Sky, Celtic are inextricably linked to Ireland and if you’re trying to say Celtic aren’t seriously supported in Ireland…well, you’re talking shite!

Italia ’90? The Celtic shirt was more prevalent than any other shirt worn by Irish fans during that tournament!

scotsirish
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti, I live here you don’t. I’m telling you everyone knows of Celtic BUT they support EPL clubs. I don’t really give much of as toss how many clubs there are. Where I live there’s virtually no one who supports us. I’ve told my boy all about Celtic and refused to let him watch EPL handy that i don’t have sky sports. However GAA is massive here and the irish treat the EPL like it’s actually their own league. It’s not bullshit it’s the way I see it and I think we get far too complacent with how big our fanbase is

bob
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

He stays in Ireland soft appearance do you not listen ZOMBIE?

Devoy45
8 years ago

None of my friends who are Irish (I live in Scotland) support Celtic (the way we support Celtic) They know about Celtic but support Man Utd, Liverpool or one of the big London teams.
Charlie Saiz: I like your idea about the £5. Hell, most of us would give far more than that.I wish I understood more of the financial stuff but I know what I would give to get in some top quality players or even someone like Hooper who could score goals. The club should belong to us. I also think we should be linked to Oxfam, done the way Barca does with Unicef?
Please no sugar daddies, oligarchs, Asian tycooms. We are The Celtic.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Devoy,
All of my Irish friends support Celtic ( I live in Scotland) they live in Ireland!
These guys I have met for many years now down the Gallowgate on European nights, they tell me Celtic are massive in Ireland and it has always been.
EPL are supported in the country as well,nothing wrong with that.

All Irishmen and women are Celtic supporters!

Devoy45
8 years ago

Asian “tycooms”? Sorry bhoys, I’m going blind. The priest warned me right enuff.
No tycoons from anywhere.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

No Tycoons?

Just more Maribor and Legia and Malmo…..jeez!

Monti
8 years ago

No Tycoons?
So if a Mr. Loadsov moneyov,from Russia said he wanted to buy Celtic, put a team on the park capable of breaking into and competing to win the Champions league each season, are you telling me you wouldn’t want that…because of tradition?

WHAAAAAAT?

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

So effectively buying the League every season and giving no other side a hope in hells chance of competing for prizes?
Then every single game at home would then be meaningless.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie Saiz,
Celtic’s priority is Celtic,not the well being of the rest of the League!
When Barcelona sign Neymar, it’s to try and win the league and Champions league,not to consider Getafe or Deporting.
You look after number one.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Deportivo!

bob
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie saiz you are banging your head off a brick wall trying to get through to numb nuts.

Geo
8 years ago

Charlie Saiz

Marquee player fund great idea, think of all the fans that would stick in more than a fiver, I for one would.

But I think this would only work if the fans could get control of the club and got DD and Co out the door if that’s possible, the board are just so out of touch with the fans now you just have to look at the stands and their no gone back.

Am pissed off with it I feels a if their just taking the cunt out of us, not signing a forward was a joke and a slap on the face for guys like me who buy a season ticket year in year out and get nothing in return. But a love celtic to much to stop going and these cunts know their is 10s of thousands like me so that’s why their getting away with it.

The fans need a voice Charlie I think you and monti are the men for the job, even tho use fight like cat and dog lol.

HH

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Geo,
Dermot Desmond has done a lot and I want to recognise that, however it’s time to crack on and aim higher.
If he doesn’t want to heavily invest in players of a better standard than we currently have, then leave, sell up and leave, give the reigns to someone willing to invest in the team…heavily.
None of this 240,000 to Hibs for Scott Allan, we need players who have been over the course in the CL, they cost money and there are two billionaires on our board.
People are telling me I can’t fucking tell Dermot how to spend his money, shite.
Our great club needs shaken from the foundations, awoken and a new energy.
We have a board who had to be shamed into paying the living wage, a board who are far too cautious, a board who accept our club being shat on by Police Scotland and the SFA, where is the fight in our club, who stands up to Police Scotland and tells them to stop isolating Celtic supporters in their unfair treatment of us, why at press conferences do Celtic P R allow questions to be asked about the fucking Huns?
Why is no one stepping in and saying ” any questions about them and your fucking out of here “?
While I’m on a rant….whoever sanctions the designs of our sacred Hoops, Can you stop fucking about with them, six or seven Hoops on the shirt, minus the fucking pin stripe round them, white shorts and white socks, with no hoop on the socks please!

…..and breathe! HH!

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Geo
Cheers I agree that perhaps it may take for changes to happen before anything like that could take off?
I also agree alot more would chuck in more than a fiver but I think EVERYONE can afford a fiver even the kids ?
I thought perhaps there could be a section on the Club Site where the names of all those who chipped in could be kept or even enscribed round the ground?

Geo
8 years ago

scotsirish

Were in Ireland do you stay must be the shankhill. Crackpot

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Geo,
Good evening,
I think I’ll let Charlie do the talking when we meet up with the board, Charlie is s bit more diplomatic than me.

Can’t believe these guys undermining the support for Celtic in Ireland, what a joke!

scotsirish
8 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Donegal. What is it with people like you and Monti someone disagrees or offers a different opinion and out come the insults.

bob
8 years ago
Reply to  scotsirish

Scotsirish as I have said in previous posts Mongti only listens to himself and I doubt he has even been out of Scotland.

BroxburnBhoy
8 years ago

Good discussion here. Lawell has clearly been the biggest beneficiary of Board decisions. His salary is around 10x of when he started! At the same time he argues we are unable to afford a living wage? Agree the board need to get their fingers out and start some commercial activity to raise money. Agree the we could set up a fund and pay a player’s wages. Both would be good. I see so much opportunity to commercialize all things Celtic globally. I’m happy to pay bonuses to players and board members IF they are delivering superior performance on the pitch and in the market. It’s easy to measure what players do. Judging by the accounts our commercial arm is less spectacular if at least stable. I would set Peter and cons goal – double revenue by 2020. Now start thinking

Geo
8 years ago

Monti.

Exactly two billionaires and they can’t put their hand in their pocket and they claim to be supporters.

I earn a good wage but I have to weans a mortgage and a wife to support but I still buy my season ticket get the weans the strips even tho it’s a big expense to me, why of a do it ?

Cause a love the club and everything it stands for am proud of our club the history and everything that goes with it.

The only thing DD loves about celtic is his association with the club, him being our majority share holder makes him bigger than he is it’s a feather in his cap when it comes to business but he’s really just a tight arsed auld cunt that doesn’t give a fuck about the most important thing about celtic, the supporters.

I hate this talk of we spend money we don’t have we could end up like the huns. That will never happen were in a diiffrent league from them, celtic is a globle brand.

They cunts were just a wee bigoted club from scotland that lived in the past no tradition only hatred, they can die a hundred deaths, we will always be here.

Anyway that’s me done am knackered after that rant, hope it makes sense. Lol

HH

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Geo

Geo,
HH!!

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago

I’m led to believe Dermot Desmond said he would be willing to sell his stake in Celtic to the right person if that person could prove they had the best interest of Celtic at heart and the financial means to take it forward?
Well what if that “person” was actually the Support themselves?
If the Support could generate the funds to take not only his share but an overall percentage as they do in Germany then we could steer the Club in the direction that suits us all and not just the sharp suited mens interests first?
I don’t have money sloshing about myself but I would be prepared to find a few hundred quid for such a venture possibly even a few thousand if needs be to secure a better future for Celtic.
It is OUR CLUB after all.
These guys come and go WE DON’T.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie Saiz,
Totally agree Charlie, SOMETHING needs to change Charlie.
Living within our means is the RIGHT thing to do, it protects the clubs future.
This great club is dormant Charlie and it frustrates the life out of me, Celtic need to keep stretching itself, we should never stand still and accept the unacceptable.
Fan ownership would be fantastic if possible, I’m 44 this year Charlie but my burning desire for Celtic has never burned hotter.
We seen off those bastards in the old board and I swear to you Charlie, This board needs shaken.

We are underachieving, we are taking cheap options with managers.

It is time it stopped! HH

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I agree with bulk of that though I think Deila with better backing ie financially and in the scouting department can do a better job.
The perfect scenario for me anyway would be
51% Fan Ownership
The other 49% made up of High pofile wealthy Investors who are Celtic Supporters with Financial clout and business sense.
But importantly who are not Investing to make Money from Celtic as their primary objective.
Guys like Billy Connolly Rod Stewart Jim Kerr Gerard Butler Snoop Dog etc etc who can raise the profile of the Club and Charity bring in better more lucrative deals our way just by being associated with us on a personal level.
Obviously if Dermot wanted to buy a few of the Sharks out then brilliant having someone with his wealth in the back seat “just incase” would give us added financial security.
The Club could sustain a decent model where profit making is no longer the main focus but where the product on the Park and the experience of it is more pleasurable for all.
Any profit made get’s put straight back into the side and of course the Celtic Foundation.
To me that is where we should be headed.
I think with the right people selected to move it forward it’s not beyond our reach.
The Support is the only Constant at a Club it makes sense it is they who control it’s destiny to me.
It need not be messy either I’m sure with the correct approach to Dermot Desmond it could be achieved.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Jury is still out on Deila for me Charlie but I’m in agreement with the remainder of your post HH

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

I’m sure Eddie Jordan is a Celtic fan as well Charlie, as is James Mcavoy, Bono, Primal Scream, etc.
If fan ownership became a reality, would these guys step up to the plate?

Why not?

Celtic is a wonderful, wonderful thing. Our club is so important to us all, why not take it to the next level and beyond?

Monti
8 years ago

I have made my feelings clear on Dermot, Lawwell and Deila, maybe attention should be directed to the players.
Are these Celtic players pushing themselves each day? are they giving 100%? are some going through the motions? Do they respect the manager?

Personally I wouldn’t be able to walk off the pitch at the end of the game if I played for Celtic.
Are these players giving everything they have?

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I don’t think any player who is not 100% committed to Celtic should be here?
Any talk of heading south then send them there pronto.
Make some money too if they are worth anything.
Interesting though Efe gives his all and still receives the bulk of shite fom fans?
Sure he wont play as much when all the defenders are fit but whislt h does and gives it 100% he should be backed by all.
Regardless of mistakes he is after all only human and players do make mistakes.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie,
You are wrong about Ambrose, he is a LIABILITY!
He has had his chances and in my opinion, he shouldn’t be on the Celtic bench again never mind a first team shirt!
He can’t be trusted and will dismantle the good work done by the rest of his team mates.
You have to be ruthless, get him tae fuck in January, he is woeful.

What will it take for some to make their mind up on him, going out a cup or two?

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Remember Alex Ferguson dropping Jim Leighton for an FA cup final replay? Ruthless, but the right decision!

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

That’s your opinion and your entitled to it I just don’t see it as cut and dry as that when it comes to Efe or any other player for that matter.
He has had a few high profile blunders that have had him pigeon holed as a liability.
Craig Gordon cost us 2 goals against Juve he has also had a few recent issues with coming off his line though he does not receive anywhere near the levels of shite as Efe.
Ciftci has scored 1 goal in 10 appearances so far hardly prolific but again no cunt is hounding his every missed chance.
Brown,Bitton have lost the ball in Midfiled Umpteen times this Season already though poor general play,slack passing or losing possession again little or no reaction from the bulk of fans.
Efe on the other hand the new whipping bhoy since Sammy left has been getting it big time.
Every little err and fans are on his case hardly going to inspire confidence in the guy is it?
What’s he played 148 games (34 in Europe) an probably had about 10-15 lapses in concentration that have cost us a goal in that time?
He’s a defender he lapses then chances are it will cost you do to his position on the Park.
He trains well is dedicated to Celtic and gives his all as far as I can tell so what’s the issue?
He was good enough to defend against Barca in our best night in 30 years in Football so it’s not like he can’t play at the top level?
Izzy has cost us in big games too yet he’s the darling of some can’t do no wrong?
I have watched sides systematically target his area of the park as he is seen as a weak link defensively yet this is his primary job.
All I ask is we lay off Efe and let him sort out his flaws.
They all have them after all.
No one in our side is perfect or without poor aspects to their game.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie, Charlie….Ambrose isn’t good enough for Celtic…..he is a fumbling clown, he is shite!

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

I have also called for Gordon to be dropped recently….to be fair!

bob
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Disagreeing with the bold Mongti now that will never do charlie saiz.

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