6 burning Celtic AGM questions as Peter Lawwell sparks U-turn and a 'Rangers thing' takes centre stage
It's hard to explain to outsiders but the parties representing the team who dominate Scottish football don't always head to their yearly shareholders' meeting on the best of terms.
But this is different as harmony is expected at a peacetime AGM which will see Celtic shareholders meet the board for the big meeting at Celtic Park, with £77million in the bank and the team attempting to achieve unparalleled success. The levels of anger in recent years have swayed from outright fury to mild displeasure. The bugbear for many has always been a lack of success in Europe, however, it appears Celtic are righting the wrong of 20 years of continental missteps. And there are no controversial elements overshadowing the meeting, no Bernard Higgins-esque drama, no anger over signings.
But Celtic fans want more, they demand it and it's replicated on the pitch for a side who are gunning for a 13th Premiership title in the past 14 seasons. Peter Lawwell, Michael Nicholson and Brendan Rodgers along with the rest of big hitters will meet their audience and set a new agenda. Record Sport gets you prepped for the big address.
READ MORE: Todd Cantwell fuels Rangers transfer return talk as he delivers gushing message
This is a Rangers thing
No, that isn't an in-joke about the Ibrox faithful claiming Celtic fans' favourite pastime is the trials and tribulations of their city rivals. This is about a ticketing disagreement which Celtic couldn't be stronger on – they view Rangers as the ticket sinners and won't back down. Rodgers directly stated the reason the famed away atmospheres have been removed is solely down to Ibrox decision makers. But an update is expected with the first two derby encounters only having home supporters in situ. Celtic are insistent they have put the work in to safely house travelling Ibrox fans but hadn't received the same with the status of Ibrox in flux earlier in the season. However, with Rangers back home, what will the plan be for the final two meetings? Fans wait bated breath.
Brendan's vision
The boss' stock has never been higher and his address, both the pre-recorded version and when he directly addresses his people during the question and answer session. Rodgers has been agitating better during the five-plus years of his two combined reigns in the Parkhead hotseat. The 51-year-old wants to raise the standards on the pitch and off and the summer transfer splurge was a sign of the intentions of the club.
But Rodgers – halfway through his three-year deal – will be a compelling listen on his views on the status of this Celtic team and what comes next. There's a tangible sense among fans that this current Celtic team is as complete as any in modern history and shareholders will be all ears over what the Irishman wants next.
Play it again, Peter and Michael?
Somewhere, there will be a rather pleased Celtic fan who reckons they played a key role behind the £19m quadruple splurge in deadline week which landed Arne Engels, Auston Trusty, Luke McCowan and Alex Valle. But, let's be frank, the wheels were in motion for the champions to finish the window with a bang long before the chairman was challenged to "get the f******* money spent" by an irate punter outside St Mirren's stadium. Peter said 'calm doon' and has been proven correct.
But now comes the interesting bit, the stick or twist element fans will be hoping the answer is the latter. Punters want £11m signings such as Engels to become the norm, a trend-setting strategy which sees Celtic buy at a higher price and, consequently, cash in for fees beyond the almost £30m they will rake in for Matt O'Riley. Lawwell and chief executive Nicholson will be directly asked if smashing their transfer record will become the norm.
Celtic End game?
It's the dream for the ultras to turn section 111 into a fully blown end for song and colour. The Green Brigade and Bhoys both filled the lower half of the Jock Stein stand once more and are keenly awaiting results over a recent survey on fan engagement.
The atmosphere created added to the spectacle of Celtic Women's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea but will a fully blown, permanent section follow? It's not without its sceptics and a decision will say a lot over where the relationship stands between the club and their noisiest backers.
Lawwell working double time
The club's chairman would be well within his rights to retire early to bed on Thursday night ahead of what will likely be a busy day with the microphone in his hand. He will be the hot name when punters get their chance to speak and will also be tasked with providing some light relief in the way predecessor Ian Bankier once did. Quips have never been a problem for the 65-year-old who has roasted Rangers over bids from a "unknown universe" and stuck the boot in over their rivals' penalty record 12 months ago. Expect serious statements sprinkled with a flavour of frivolity.
It's ticket time
We're banging that sign again and the fact we are in 2024 is not a good look for Celtic. The club's brilliant supporters' liaison officer John Paul Taylor, as good as any at his role across Britain, has been inundated with requests over the years to get a functioning ticket exchange up and running. But no SLO, even ones as good as Taylor, remain at the behest of a club who are yet to make it happen.
Celtic, remain the hottest ticket in town, but still regularly have spares aplenty for home league games. Other clubs, rival sports and forms of entertainment have robust exchange systems in place. But Celtic don't and it's a frustration to fans unable to commit to season tickets and day-trippers denied a chance to rock up and see what all the fuss is about. Incremental updates don't cut it and supporters want better.