After weeks of waiting Celtic fans got to see and hear Ange Postecoglou in action yesterday. They say first impressions matter with both men performing well as they tackled a variety of issues without being flustered or held to any special promises.
Joining them on the podium was Ian Bankier, chairman for a decade and if yesterday was his last public appearance in that role it will largely be welcomed.
Introducing the new bhoys to the audience Bankier looked as if he’d rather be anywhere than chairing a You Tube media conference. Being at the gold club, bowling club or sitting in a board-room would have been far more enticing that appearing bored and having those pesky customers passing comment.
At the age of 68 he is the youngest member of the Remuneration Committee, sitting alongside Brian Wilson and Tom Allison deciding on what size of bonus the CEO deserves. During the last normal year of trading Peter Lawwell picked up £3.5m on a turnover of £83.4m, a reduction in turnover of £18.2m from the previous year.
The reduced turnover was largely down to failing to reach the group stage of the Champions League, despite turnover being reduced by almost 20% Bankier told the 2019 AGM that Lawwell was worth every penny and that Celtic were lucky to have him.
Lawwell is taking a step back but his role beyond Wednesday remains unclear. He will retain a position with the European Club Association, whether that is in Celtic’s interest is hard to determine.
Over his decade as chairman Bankier has been a background figure with Dermot Desmond or Lawwell the main drivers in decision making. Bankier appears to have avoided standing for election to anything related to the SFA, SPFL or UEFA, if yesterday was his Celtic farewell there won’t be many fans unhappy at waving him off into retirement.
When it came to the conference with fan media Bankier had departed the scene.
Ange – Impressive
Dom – Steady
Bankier – Resign— Andrew (@Hullbhoy) June 25, 2021
Celtic chairman Ian Bankier needs to go.
— ????????????????????????????? Celtic CSC©® (@Celtic67Fins72) June 25, 2021
Best thing that could happen would be for Bankier to announce his immediate departure from the Board
— Timposter (@Tim_Poster) June 25, 2021
Why does Bankier look like he’s been Snapchat stickered into this? pic.twitter.com/cotJoouwJc
— ciarán. (@NotoriousBAG_) June 25, 2021
Bankier looked as if it was all so tiresome
— 45 Rebellion #DissolvetheUnion (@Sevcositcom) June 25, 2021
Bankier is an empty suit. Desmond’s Baldrick.
— Noel Gillen (@neilslaught66) June 25, 2021
Bankier’s body language said it all. He can barely hide his contempt for the support. The sooner he’s removed the better.
— Hoopybhoy ???? (@PaddyBhoy1965) June 25, 2021
PR fail, Bankier should be nowhere near today
— Brian McLaughlin (@BmacTank) June 25, 2021
Bankier OUT. https://t.co/hHwps8EuBi
— Ryan McGinlay (@TheRyanMcGinlay) June 25, 2021
PR fail, Bankier should be nowhere near today
— Brian McLaughlin (@BmacTank) June 25, 2021
Apart from Bankier, who is a waste of a seat
— RhebelRhebel (@RhebelRhebel) June 25, 2021