Keith Wyness shares what he’s ‘heard’ about Celtic takeover ‘syndicates’: ‘Believe me…’
Celtic could be subject to attempted takeovers from several different “syndicates” in the coming months.
That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Bhoys are a total “mess” at the moment behind the scenes.
Recent reports have even suggested that businessman Willie Haughey could even prepare a takeover swoop alongside ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, as speculation continues surrounding Dermot Desmond’s future as owner.
Wyness revealed that Celtic are a hugely “unhappy” club at board level right now, and noted that Desmond should be glad that he has been out of the direct firing line of the fans of late.
Tensions among supporters have exploded again after three consecutive defeats in all competitions, with Martin O’Neill’s men beaten by Rangers on consecutive weekends.
The 74-year-old’s future as manager is also firmly up in the air, with a significant amount of uncertainty “swirling” around the club at the moment.
Multiple Celtic takeover attempts expected
Aberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now runs a consultancy business advising elite clubs – believes that more than one party are weighing up a move to buy out Desmond right now.
Celtic are the most profitable club in Scottish football by a sizeable distance, and Wyness made it clear that several groups are keeping a close eye on developments with the board.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Scottish businessman explained how Desmond’s position is far from secure.
“Celtic are in a mess, they really are, and it's all at board level. There's even been talk, I heard, of other syndicates coming in to try and buy Dermot Desmond out,” he said.
“Even Brendan Rogers was involved in one of the syndicates I read about, along with Willie Haughey, who could come in and buy Desmond out.
“So all these things are swirling around every single level of Celtic, and believe me, it's not a happy place to be right now.”
Celtic set Martin O’Neill replacement criteria
Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Celtic will target another experienced manager if they decide to sack O’Neill during the international break.
The Bhoys are understood to be worried about having their “fingers burned” again by a less well-known candidate, just as they did with Wilfried Nancy last season.
Sources say that the Glasgow giants want a boss with proven top-level credentials to take charge if a change becomes needed.
The likes of Kieran McKenna, Robbie Keane and Neil Lennon have all been tipped as likely options, but a final decision on O’Neill’s future is yet to be made.