The Daily Record has uncovered part of Celtic’s pre-season plans.
On the day that fans were sent a bland Holding Statement message about the long drawn out failure to recruit a manager the Glasgow based publisher has discovered plans to play West Ham on Saturday July 24.
Celtic will be involved in a Champions League qualifier on the midweek before and after with the match against Davie Moyes’ side providing the new manager with a chance to assess the squad that he is putting together.
As significant as the arrival of a new manager the friendly match could be the first time that fans are allowed inside Celtic Park since March 2020.
Tonight, the Record reports:
Celtic are lining-up a top-level pre-season friendly against English Premier League outfit West Ham. David Moyes ’ Champions League-chasing Londoners are set to travel to Glasgow for an encounter on Saturday, July 24.
Parkhead chiefs are working to unveil their successor to Neil Lennon, but are still pressing ahead with vital behind-the-scenes preparation work for the 2021/22 campaign.
Celtic are due to begin their own Champions League qualification bid in the midweek preceding the proposed visit of the Hammers with the second leg of their opening Euro tie the following midweek.
Ex-Celt Moyes’ men are also chasing a place in Europe’s elite competition as they sit three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, who will face Manchester City in this term’s showpiece in Istanbul.
Last season Celtic trained at Loughborough before flying out to France for three pre-season friendlies. Back home they played Ross County and Hibs on successive days with no options other than meeting other SPFL Premiership clubs. The Premiership season begins on the first weekend in August.
