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The Football Show · 19 July 2026
Peter Martin assesses the growing divide between Celtic's board and the supporters — and asks where it all ends.
More than 20 years on from the 2003 UEFA Cup final run, Martin O'Neill finds himself back in the Celtic dugout and, once again, at the centre of the club's biggest off-field row in years: a widening split between large sections of the support and the majority shareholder and board.
At the recent Association of Irish Celtic Supporters Clubs AGM, chief executive Michael Nicholson faced direct questions on why the champions have been so slow in the market — pointing to the difficulty of dealing with agents and competing financially with the Premier League and even the Championship. O'Neill, for his part, made clear he is in major need of signings, with the squad short of the quality required to compete at home and in Europe. With close to 60 days gone since the league was secured, only one new face had been added.
Peter lays out both sides of the argument.
THE SUPPORTERS' CASE — calls for greater transparency, better communication, a change in recruitment strategy and real ambition in Europe. Fans point to a run of chastening European exits (including Artmedia Bratislava, Maribor, Malmö, AEK Athens, Cluj, Midtjylland, Bodø/Glimt and Kairat Almaty), a poor away record on the continent, and the same late-window pattern of key men leaving without replacements arriving.
THE BOARD'S CASE — nearly a quarter of a century of domestic dominance (20 league titles, 13 Scottish Cups, 11 League Cups), a financially robust club with substantial cash reserves, built on season-ticket loyalty, European income and shrewd player trading (Victor Wanyama, Virgil van Dijk, Matt O'Riley).
But with the opening league match against Dundee on August 3rd fast approaching and nine or ten signings potentially still needed, the questions are simple: are the right players coming, will they arrive early enough, and are they the ones the manager actually wants? Some supporters are now calling for change at boardroom level — even a change of owner.
Whatever happens next, Peter's plea is for calm heads and respectful debate — and a hope that Martin O'Neill isn't caught in the crossfire of a dispute that has become increasingly unhealthy for everyone connected with Celtic.
Where do you stand — board or support? Let us know in the comments. 👇
#celtic #celticfc #scottishfootball
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