Finance guru: Celtic have ‘£17m’ master plan as Dermot Desmond reveals all
Celtic will roll out a “distinct” financial plan if they qualify for the Champions League this season and land a “£17million” windfall.
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about recent comments made by Dermot Desmond.
The Hoops’ biggest shareholder, 71, told Celtic TV last Friday (8 April): “We are going to be prudent, financially prudent, in the way we run the club.”
This year’s Scottish Premiership champions will seal automatic Champions League qualification, and Celtic are currently six points clear at the top.
Plumley explained what Desmond’s “prudent” strategy looks like in practice and how qualification for Europe’s premier competition affects the model.
“You have to be careful, of course,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Celtic know near enough wah their revenue will be each year because it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to finish first or second.
“They sell out every week and they know what they’re working with. The differentiator is, of course, European football.
“If they win the league this year, they get automatic qualification, which is going to be worth £17m minimum.
“That makes a big difference, so they’ll have different models depending on different possibilities.
“Model A, they make the Champions League. Model B, they don’t. That extra money makes a big difference.
“Everything is based around those distinct models and whether you can repeat the trick and qualify year on year.”
Celtic’s fate is in their own hands with five league matches to go this season.
Ange Postecoglou’s side also face Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final on Sunday (17 April).
In other news, Celtic tipped by pundit to strike “absolute bargain” Cameron Carter-Vickers deal after Sky Sports update.