Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson has unveiled plans to revamp the club's supporter engagement structure as tensions continue before the new season. The Hoops interim chairman previously opened the door to more conversations with fan groups after a rocky relationship with Parkhead punters over the last year.
The Green Brigade ultras group were locked out for five months while the Celtic Fans Collective had urged fans not to renew their season tickets going into the dramatic Premiership conclusion, and a series of protests against the board were held throughout the campaign. Despite the tumultuous campaign, Martin O'Neill led the club to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double, but large sections of Celtic Park have remained empty for pre-season friendlies against Middlesbrough and AC Milan. This follows a slow summer transfer window with Camilo Duran and record signing Kasper Hogh the only two new faces.
New supporter engagement structure
Wilson has unveiled the plan for "improved supporter engagement" with a Head of Supporter Engagement role created. A structure of a new fan engagement group, Celtic Connect, has also been revealed, while the club statement notes the Hoops' hierarchy will be "very mindful of continuing its close liaison with existing supporters' groups."
Wilson said: “Jock Stein famously said ‘football without fans is nothing’. Celtic supporters are renowned throughout the world for their passion and commitment to the Club. The power to make a difference when united in support of the team was confirmed in dramatic fashion in the closing stages of last season. We made a commitment to improving our approach to supporter engagement and to create a structure through which better two-way communication can be achieved between the Club and the broad base of the support. This will be built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to Celtic’s continued success.”
He added: "There is already a lot of good work done in this area, particularly through our Supporter Liaison Officers and regular meetings with long-established supporter groups, which are continuing. We now aim to do more to enhance the breadth and quality of that engagement. As promised, this will not be through a single measure or appointment. We need a range of channels through which the views of the support can be reflected and responded to. Turning this into a positive force for the club, the team and the supporters will require goodwill and hard work, to which we are committed."
