Apathy Over Anger: Celtic’s Biggest Problem Isn’t Frustration Anymore
Aodhán Ó Conchobhair For years, it seems as supporters we’ve been angry at the board’s incapability to make simple decisions.
Normally, this rears its head in transfer windows.
But this summer feels different.
It doesn’t feel like anger anymore.
It feels like apathy.
And that’s far more dangerous.
The Empty Seats Are Saying More Than Social Media Ever Could
Pre-season friendlies used to be a chance for supporters to get excited about a new campaign.
Instead, the attendance figures have become the story.
Large sections of empty seats.
A lack of atmosphere.
A fanbase choosing not to spend.
That should worry the Celtic board far more than a few angry tweets.
Because anger means people still care enough to shout.
Apathy means they’re simply staying at home.
What Exactly Are Supporters Being Asked To Buy Into?
Over the past few months supporters have watched the following:
The free preseason friendly disappears from the season ticket packages, but still an increase to season ticket packages.
Countless Adidas drops released before many supporters have even finished paying for the last one.
Embarrassing, drawn-out managerial and backroom staff decisions
Every few weeks there’s another product.
Another launch.
Another reason for the board to tell you to spend money.
The question many supporters are asking is simple.
Backing what?
A new shirt?
Another marketing campaign?
A new digital platform to replace Celtic TV?
Or what we all want – a football team capable of competing in Europe?
Because right now, it feels like the commercial department is winning far more matches than the recruitment department.
Football Has Changed… And So Has Life
Perhaps the board are forgetting something.
This isn’t 2015.
People don’t have the same disposable income they once did.
Energy bills have risen.
Mortgages have risen.
Rent has risen.
Food costs more.
Families are making genuine decisions about where every spare pound goes.
To simply expect supporters to keep buying every shirt, every ticket, and every new initiative because they’re Celtic supporters completely misses the point.
Being a Celtic supporter doesn’t make people immune to the cost of living.
Supporters will always back a club.
But they also want the club to show it’s backing them.
Has Martin O’Neill Changed The Conversation?
Interestingly, there does appear to be a shift happening on the football side.
For years Celtic’s recruitment model felt rigid.
Players aged 19 to 23.
Available for under £5 million.
Wages below £15,000 a week.
International recognition.
Maximum resale value.
This summer feels different.
Champions League experience.
Established internationals.
Players are entering their peak years rather than hoping to reach them.
Whether that’s Martin O’Neill’s influence or simply coincidence remains to be seen.
But it certainly feels like the recruitment strategy has evolved.
Perhaps O’Neill has demanded it.
If he has, supporters will welcome that.
The Rumours Don’t Help
I’ve lost count of the number of WhatsApp messages claiming Martin O’Neill has already considered walking away.
Are they true?
Probably not.
That’s the problem with WhatsApp.
Nobody really knows.
But the fact so many supporters are willing to believe them tells its own story.
There’s a growing feeling that the football department and the board aren’t always pulling in the same direction.
Whether that’s reality or perception almost doesn’t matter.
Perception eventually becomes belief.
Give Us A Team Worth Believing In
This isn’t about demanding multimillion-pound signings.
Or expecting Celtic to compete financially with England or Europe’s elite.
It’s about ambition.
It’s about showing supporters that Europe genuinely matters.
It’s about making people excited to turn up again.
Because right now, too many supporters aren’t angry.
They’re disengaged.
The good news is that can change quickly.
Kasper Høgh.
Camilo Durán.
Perhaps Hassem Hassan.
Maybe another midfielder.
Maybe a goalkeeper.
Get the recruitment right and the optimism returns overnight.
But until then, supporters aren’t obliged to blindly buy every shirt, every ticket or every narrative.
The board have spent years asking supporters to back Celtic.
This summer, perhaps it’s Celtic’s turn to give supporters something worth backing.
Because anger eventually fades.
Apathy is much harder to reverse.
