After more than 20 years as the largest individual shareholder in Celtic few fans know much about Dermot Desmond.
For a chunk of that time his opposite number at Ibrox dominated the headlines with his moonbeam management but when things headed south Dave Murray bailed out without stopping to pick up his pound coin.
Image and spin ruled over Ibrox while Celtic’s top man kept everything low key.
An interest in playing in England tended to emerge whenever he was interviewed at a golf tournament but his failure to turn up at the AGM irked supporters.
The true extent of Desmond’s interest in Celtic remains unknown- is it an emotional or financial investment?
In one area however there are clear signs of his interest and involvement. Key to the success of any football club is the manager, Desmond seems to have directly stepped in to ensure the appointments of Martin O’Neill, Gordon Strachan and Brendan Rodgers.
The latest appointment has transformed every aspect of Celtic with the former Liverpool boss appreciative of the way he is allowed to do business with support and without interference.
“Dermot wakes up in the morning and thinks of Celtic, he looks at everything Celtic, he goes to bed at night, everything Celtic,” Rodgers explained to The Sun.
“He will be in contact with me on a fairly regular basis. It might only be three or four lines in a text offering encouragement and support, it might be a meeting in London, it might be a phone call, but it’s constant. It’s always there.
“I couldn’t ask for any more. There is a real trust to it. I can’t speak highly enough of them and if there is any reassurance that the supporters ever needed from one of their own, then I will tell them.
“These are people and guys who have an incredible commitment to this club.
“There is a real feel, a real focus on the club and they are really passionate about the club moving forward.”
With a new four year contract offered and signed Desmond quickly recognised the turnaround that Rodgers has inspired.
As he prepares for next Saturday’s treble bid it seems that every aspect of the job is satisfying the Irishman with his link to effectively the club owner entirely positive and constructive.
