Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Celtic v Rangers - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - December 30, 2023 General view of snow inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Brian Dempsey has joined the cast list at The Celtic Exchange to share his views on the 30th anniversary of Fergus McCann’s takeover of Celtic.
Then in his forties, the Glasgow based property developer had been appointed to the Celtic board in 1990 but when it came to the AGM to ratify his appointment Michael Kelly and Chris White ensured that his place wasn’t confirmed.
As Celtic’s fortunes nose-dived on the park with debt creeping dangerously high others started to look at ways to replace the Kelly and White dynasty that had been in control of Celtic since the early days of the century.
The charismatic Dempsey formed an alliance with McCann, most of the media commentary came from Dempsey who stood on the steps of Celtic Park to declare that the rebels had won.
The alliance between the two men never survived very long, both have different versions of events with Dempsey fairly critical of some of the decisions taken by McCann as he forged a new business model with 51% of the club shares.
If there were some kind of awards for Celtic Podcasts this series would win it hands down
It’s been a real education even for us that were around at the time
If you’ve not listened to the series already please give it a go, it’s a crucial part of our (continuous) history
— Celtic F1rst (@CelticF1rst) March 21, 2024
During international week the content from The Celtic Exchange has been priceless. A traditional documentary would only have skimmed the surface but with six, so far, hour long interviews most of the main characters have been able to share their stories, recollections and reflections leaving the viewer with a fuller picture of the most turbulent times in Celtic’s history.
CLICK HERE for Dempsey’s Celtic Wiki profile.
I’ve been really enjoying this series of interviews. I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch the Hugh Keevins episode though. I skip past it every time! I’m just not convinced he’ll have anything relevant to add. If someone’s watched that one, please advise if it’s worth an hour of torture listening to his sanctimonious whining voice.