“The reason we’re all angry is recruitment,” Willie Haughey

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The Celtic Star

·20. September 2025

“The reason we’re all angry is recruitment,” Willie Haughey

Former non-executive director Willie Haughey has criticised Celtic for their recurring tendency to delay transfer dealings until the closing stages of the window…

Celtic v Hibernian – Premier Sports Cup – Celtic Park Lord Willie Haughey in the stands before the Premier Sports Cup match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Sunday August 18, 2024. Photo Steve Welsh, IMAGO/PA Images

The ex-director argues that the club’s hierarchy is steady but the real problem comes from the way player recruitment is managed.

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Supporters have grown frustrated by Celtic’s inability to secure key signings ahead of the new season – particularly after the team were embarrassingly knocked out of Champions League qualifiers by Kairat Almaty – and Haughey maintains that the recruitment framework is where the underlying issues lie.

Brendan Rodgers manager of Celtic Kairat Almaty v Celtic, UEFA Champions League, Play-Off Round, Second Leg, Football, Almaty Central Stadium, Almaty, Kazakhstan – 26 Aug 2025Almaty Almaty Central Stadium Kazakhstan Photo Nikita Bassov/Shutterstock

He highlighted the stability Brendan Rodgers brings to the club, but cautioned that it is being weakened by continual delays in the timing of the signings.

Haughey remarked that while a simple show of recognition from the board about the shambolic transfer window might help calm fans, failure to follow through with real action and accountability will only see the same problems repeat every transfer window.

Speaking via Go Football Radio Show, Haughey said: “When you’ve got stability in a club, you’ve got to value it. We’re lucky to have the manager we do — probably the best we could get at this time. Add to that an owner who’s put his money in, and it’s clear the real issue isn’t there. The reason we’re all angry is recruitment.”

Sack The Board banner at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“That’s where the focus has to be. The fans have backed the team, they’ve made their feelings known, but now the question is what’s wrong with the setup. Something isn’t working, and people want to know why. That’s the part that has to be addressed.”

He added: “Even a small sign from the club that they recognise the problem would help. Just an indication that recruitment is being looked at properly. Without that, every transfer window feels the same, and frustration only grows.

Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“On the pitch, we’re still in a strong position. If we can maintain form, stay top come January, then it’s about helping the manager. He needs the players he trusts, players who can improve the team. That’s how we turn stability into success.”

Sack The Board protest at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Many fans are likely to agree with Haughey’s perspective as recruitment has been seen as Celtic’s major shortcoming in recent years apart from when Ange Postecoglou and Frank Trimboli took the lead for two years. Despite financial strength and domestic dominance, the club has too often missed the chance to bring in quality signings when needed most.

Conor Spence

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