Keith Wyness: Celtic to spend big in late January spree, Martin O’Neill ‘has all the power’
Celtic have been backed to invest in the squad in the January transfer window amid a growing issue over Champions League qualification in Scotland.
That is according to ex-Aberdeen, Aston Villa, and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes Martin O’Neill has earned enough trust to demand backing from the Celtic board.
Celtic have been told to make a marquee signing if they want to close the six-point gap on Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
The Celtic board have faced fan pressure to spend in the transfer market, but on loan Bournemouth defender Julian Araujo remains their only January addition so far.
Celtic to ‘start spending’ in January
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes this is a “very important season” for Celtic.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks the Hoops have shown “complacency” in the Scottish Premiership.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I do think Celtic have had to wake up. And I think Martin has certainly got the presence and maturity to demand backing.
“He knows he’s got the fans onside with him who are backing him as well and whatever he wants he knows he’s got the power over Dermot Desmond on the board right now. So yes I do expect Celtic to dip in, get that bank chequebook out and get the dust off it and start spending some money.
“They’re in a race and this is going to be one of the most important races for a long time, because the Scottish coefficient is so weak after European performances, you’re going to have to win the league to get a better position of getting into the Champions League where the money is again.
“Gone are the days when it was just those first two positions that would get you automatic qualification into the Champions League. It’s going to be a Scottish coefficient issue, and you’re going to have to go through qualifying rounds in different positions now. So it’s going to be a very important season and now is the time.
“As I say, Celtic, the complacency of coasting towards a guaranteed title, it’s gone and you know there’s a lot of interest now, so I’m looking forward to the second part of the season. We’ve had drama and soap opera in the first part, and the second half is going to be played out on the pitch and it’s going to be really exciting, but right now being played out in the boardroom before the end of January is going to be very important.”
Celtic could target Jens Berthel Askou in managerial search
Celtic’s search for a new permanent manager could lead them to current Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou.
Berthel Askou has emerged as a leading contender for the Celtic job, having enjoyed a successful first season in Scottish football.
The 43-year-old has Motherwell just seven points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership table, and on course for a top five finish.