Celtic Star recently attended a meeting organised through the Celtic Trust in Glasgow to speak to the critics of Celtic fans’ media about the project and the aims of the Celtic Trust, with the aim of broadening understanding among Celtic supporters and giving a stronger voice to Celtic fans. A few internet sites were provided, as well as several prominent podcasts, such as Celtic Exchange and The Cynic. And the Green Brigade was there too.
Peter Lawwell, chairman of Celtic, and Michael Nicholson, chief executive, in the directors’ gallery. Celtic vs Kilmarnock, Cinch Scottish Premiership, February 17, 2024. Photo: Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
South of the border, English Premier League clubs are in the process of setting up their own fan advisory committee, and quietly it turns out it’s even taking place in Govan. Recently, Celtic hosted one of the club’s fan forums. where Michael Nicholson, the CEO of Celtic, is present and answers questions posed by the attendees. Without intending in any way to discredit this initiative, based on the precept that everything is more than anything, we still have to ask ourselves whether it is good. For example, if Everton had a fan advisory committee, then why would it be a bad idea for Celtic to have one?
But most fans may not really understand what a fan advisory committee is and what it would mean for Celtic. Therefore, the Celtic Trust has agreed to provide media enthusiasts with fundamental information to share with Celtic and this covers three separate topics, the other two being ‘what exactly is Celtic Trust and the other ‘what exactly is Drive for Five’; We’ll be featuring them at The Celtic Star and in our new Celticshorts. com over the next few days.
But tonight we’ll start by offering an explanation of what exactly an amateur advisory council is. We’d love to hear your feedback on this (good, bad or unbiased) and will actually get The Celtic Trust involved if they have it. Any questions you want answered.
Celtic vs St Mirren: Peter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson in the stands of the Cinch Premiership at Celtic Park on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. Photo: Andrew Milligan
The recent crisis in European football governance led the UK government to adopt an independent review of fan-led football governance in 2021. One of the main reasons for the crisis is due to the lack of interest from major football clubs, including Celtic, in facilitating meaningful fan participation. A commitment that would strengthen the governance and accountability of clubs in relation to their clubs’ football business strategies.
The UK Fan Led Review (Crouch, 2021) recognises that a major improvement in the governance of football clubs requires a Fan Advisory Committee (FAB). The study recognizes that FAB is the most effective form of fan and shareholder engagement when 100% fan ownership is not feasible (Crouch, 2021).
The UK’s Fan Led Review (Crouch, 2021) calls for an independent Fan Advisory Board (FAB), elected by stakeholders.
The Advisory Council will not be a forum for fans to talk to the club about football-related operational issues, e. g. team building, player performance, etc.
The review also concluded that advisory board members will be able to discuss peak issues with a broader stakeholder base (fans and small shareholders), but that they will have appropriate confidentiality obligations on “sensitive matters,” for example, financial matters, which may not be discussed outside of the Advisory Board.
The UK’s Fan Led Review noted that the FAB will have to be independent and have fan representatives chosen from a cross-section of the fan base, which in the case of Celtic PLC may include only small shareholders, season ticket holders and fan organisations.
To provide the broadest conceivable representation of Celtic Football Club’s (Celtic PLC) global fan base and small shareholders, representing key teams within the grassroots rather than individuals. To have a base that ensures the most productive representation imaginable of our supporters and shareholders.
Create a constructive advisory board for stakeholders (supporters and shareholders) to discuss and propose key strategic issues affecting our iconic club and our fanbase/shareholders.
Initiate and pursue in a direct, open and bidirectional way between the Club and the fans (fans and small shareholders).
To enable our iconic club to provide clarity and context on all the key strategic decisions that have been made.
To enable enthusiasts and small shareholders to play a key role in the enjoyment of fans and the long history of Celtic Football Club (Celtic PLC) on and off the pitch.
A joint tribunal to arbitrate/resolve disputes between FAB and Celtic PLC.
Comments, opinions, observations and questions are welcome below. . . HH
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