Finance guru demands constitutional overhaul after Celtic shareholder revolt
The Scottish FA may need to implement constitutional reforms to ensure that fan groups like the Celtic Trust can have real influence at their clubs.
That is the view of finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the importance of checks and balances in football governance.
The Celtic Trust held their AGM last Tuesday (19 May), wherein a vote of no confidence was unsuccessfully tabled by Chris McGachy.
McGachy, who owns a small number of shares in the Hoops, is unhappy about flatlining membership numbers and a perceived lack of enthusiasm to purchase more equity in the club.
A fan veto scheme will soon be introduced in English football, per the recommendations of the Tracey Crouch MP’s Independent Review released in November last year.
And Plumley suggests that a similar mechanism should be brought in north of the border to codify the power of fan groups like the Celtic Trust.
“Fan trusts are really important,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“For me, a fan trust should have a direct line into the club’s board. Communications should be as open and transparent as possible, especially on governance, strategy and finance.
“But of course, there is then conflict in terms of those who want fans to have a seat on the board, and I think that is where things can get quite messy.
“Clubs are rightly a little bit reluctant about that proposition because fans often can’t agree among themselves.
“However, I think this can all be solved if the fans have a relationship of trust with the board.
“Maybe you could also have a golden veto share option. Then they can say ‘no’ on really big matters. That is my take on it, but I appreciate it is a very nuanced matter.”
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