As far as analysis of Celtic’s major shareholder goes, this one is a new one.
We have had many views and takes on Dermot Desmond by the fans with the ‘absentee landlord’ being the most prevalent one, but a dictator is a new one on me.
From what I can see, the majority of Celtic’s business was left with Peter Lawwell over his 16 year tenure and, yes some could argue, that the former CEO was just an extension of Desmond’s hand at the club, but overall, you cannot argue with the amount of success we have had under his tenure.
But finance expert Kieran Maguire has fired a rather bizarre claim against Desmond.
Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire said, “If you’re a fan first and an owner second, you’re going to do what you think’s best for the club’s best interests.
“I’ve always said that the best ownership model is one of a benevolent dictator, who will act in the best interest at heart.
“He’s a billionaire that happens to be a fan, rather than a billionaire who wants an executive toy.
“It’s slightly different because he is a very prudent owner.
“Could Celtic have accelerated the gap between them and Rangers in recent years? Perhaps.
“But I think they have always taken the view that they have got the biggest stadium and some of the biggest commercial deals, and that is sufficient.”
It does seem that Maguire is suggesting that Desmond’s frugalness may have held Celtic back over recent years and, again, many fans will believe that to be true.
But the question could also be would we have had the same amount of success without the Irishman on board as we have had with him?
As long as he is at the helm we will never end up like that sham of that other lot.