Celtic fans flooded the club statement about Dom McKay’s departure with their concerns and suspicion.
Less than a fortnight after the transfer window closed, after less than three months as CEO the 43-year-old has left the job that he had apparently coveted for some time.
A 5pm Friday announcement will always be viewed suspiciously, one with personal reasons and the briefest of comment from the outgoing CEO adds to the mystery and concern.
McKay kept a very low public profile but made it very clear that he was a moderniser, perhaps not the message that a board that has employed the previous CEO for 17 years wanted to hear.
No other significant appointments were made by McKay. Gordon Strachan has been given a three month consultancy role but he has been known to the board far longer than he was to the departing CEO.
With Michael Nicholson stepping in as acting CEO the board has ensured continuity, for many fans it looks like a big step backwards with little in the way of an explanation coming from inside the club.
Celtic Football Club announced today that Chief Executive Dom McKay has stood down from his position for personal reasons.#CelticFC’s Director of Legal and Football Affairs Michael Nicholson has been appointed to the Board of Celtic plc as acting CEO.
Full statement ??
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 10, 2021
— Déaglan McConville (@deaglanmcc) September 10, 2021
He didn’t want to be a yes man and walked. Shambles.
— iCeltic (@iCeltic) September 10, 2021
The Celtic board and major shareholder are more than a self preservation society. That’s also 2 key roles that they have messed up with Howe and then McKay. Following of course Lennons appointment. It seems they are poor judges of character. What a shock!
— TheProvocativeH (@TheProvocativeH) September 10, 2021
Been forced oot after giving the fans the window we all wanted…
Back to random gambles fae the far flung corners of Europe & Ange having to like it or lump it?
Ange and the squad need to crack on and fight for this title!
C’MON CELTIC!!!!?
— TheHoops?????????? (@67_Celtic_1888) September 10, 2021
JL
Was told last night he was going
Fallout with the board was the reason— Culzane (@culzane1) September 10, 2021
He was hired to restructure, did you not get the memo? Whatever the reason it’s a worry though, hope his family are ok
— paul moore (@paulmoore29) September 10, 2021
If mr Nicholson has been at ‘the centre of executive decision making’ then we’re in big trouble as most executive decisions these past couple of years have been terrible. Best wishes to Dom and his family ?
— Martin W (@mwillmott68) September 10, 2021
Disappointed with this was impressed with how he came across & presented himself, Hope he is ok & wish him well for the future
— John McConnell (@JohnMcC28171320) September 10, 2021