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Money men are getting ready to back the manager- Sutton puts Nicholson in the spotlight

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Chris Sutton is looking forward to statements of intent from the Celtic board. 

Technically Dom McKay overseen last summer’s transfer window but 10 days into September he had left his job as CEO with no word of explanation. 

Michael Nicholson has remained in the shadows since stepping up, initially as acting CEO before getting the gig full-time to the surprise of no-one. 

January’s transfer window was the most satisfying that any Celtic fan can remember. Three players were identified in advance and signed on December 31. When Riley McGree opted for Middlesbrough a replacement in Matt O’Riley was in the door a week later. 

A repeat of that level of efficiency could open up new doors for Celtic. For the first time in five years the Champions League returns, retaining the SPFL will ensure another crack at the top tournament with all the associated benefits. 

Turnover of £100m or more will thrill the accountants but seeing assets on the park, entertaining fans and delivering trophies is what Season Ticket holders want to see. 

Putting the spotlight on the board in his Daily Record column Sutton writes: 

By the looks of it Celtic’s money men are getting ready to back the manager and it’s the least he deserves after pulling off a remarkable victory in the Premiership last season. 

You won’t be able to convince me the Parkhead board were banking on getting Champions League football when the last campaign kicked off. It was a complete rebuilding mission and it’s been successful so far. So far, being the phrase. 

Celtic cannot afford to stop now. There are positive noises coming from all parties regarding tying down Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota on permanent deals. I know they will not be seen as new players as such but they’ll still come out of this summer’s budget. 

Celtic would need to stump up the guts of £13m for the pair and that’s no small change in Scottish football terms. 

But it would be money well spent. The pair of them are no longer gambles. We all know what they can do and their importance to the team. 

It’s also clear they will both potentially be worth far more than £13m before long. They would be an investment. 

It can’t stop with those two and Celtic still need to tool up for the Champions League, unless they want to just turn up and make up the numbers. 

Celtic’s model is obvious. They look for bargains and sell for a profit. It doesn’t look like they’ll be cashing in on any of their main men this season so this might be one of those summers when they spent more than they rake in. 

That’s not always the case. Don’t forget, Postecoglou’s net spend was actually nearly £10m less than the club made from the sales of Odsonne Edouard, Kris Ajer and Ryan Christie. 

There might not be any big money departures in the next few weeks but that doesn’t mean the cash won’t come in down the line. 

I’m mentioned Carter-Vickers and Jota, but you look at the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Leil Abada, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate and Josip Juranovic – they have all increased in value already and when the time comes they will make the club some money. 

Announcing Jota and Carter-Vickers is almost expected by fans, beyond that is the really intriguing part. 

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  • Jack says:

    Sorry Chris but I don’t think a pundit would put pressure on celtic there a multi million company and not like the people across the water they don’t play op to the gallery

  • Jack says:

    The y Listen to the most important 60,000ever home game you and pally ally are making a few buck for each other ally is very bitter not been brought up in Scotland you will never understand

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