New Faces, Same Celtic? Don’t Be Fooled by the Boardroom Refresh

Celtic have announced Mark Keane and Raymond Buchanan as the latest additions to the board, replacing the vacancies created by the departures of Peter Lawwell and Tom Allison. Keane’s appointment is immediate, while Buchanan will join after completing his current role at Scottish Water. 

On the surface, you could look at that and think: finally, change.

New people. New ideas. Fresh perspectives.

But Celtic supporters should be careful about getting too excited.

Because changing two names on the board does not automatically mean changing the way Celtic Football Club is run.

Brian Wilson has described the appointments as part of an ongoing process of “board refreshment”, with the club saying the new directors will bring new ideas and help strengthen oversight and relationships across the Celtic family. 

And I’m sure both men have plenty to offer.

Mark Keane brings more than 25 years of experience in property, retail and investment and is already a significant Celtic shareholder. Raymond Buchanan brings senior communications and corporate affairs experience, including previous work with the BBC. 

So let’s be clear: this isn’t a criticism of the individuals.

The question is whether their arrival actually changes the culture.

Because Celtic supporters have heard the word “refresh” before.

We’ve heard about listening.

We’ve heard about supporter engagement.

We’ve heard about lessons being learned.

We’ve heard about strengthening the club.

Yet supporters are still looking at the same fundamental issues: recruitment planning, European competitiveness, communication and a disconnect between the resources Celtic have available and the ambition being demonstrated on the pitch.

And that’s why I don’t think we should be fooled into believing everything has suddenly changed because two new directors have walked through the door.

The bigger question is Desmond

Until Dermot Desmond’s influence changes, how much can genuinely change?

Desmond remains Celtic’s principal shareholder and has been central to the club’s strategic direction for decades. He was also directly involved in the decision-making around the managerial appointment this summer, holding talks with Robbie Keane before Martin O’Neill ultimately took the job permanently. 

That’s why I keep coming back to the same point.

The problem isn’t simply who sits around the table.

It’s the structure, culture and direction coming from the top.

Peter Lawwell has gone from the chairmanship. Tom Allison has retired. Now Keane and Buchanan come in.

But if the same philosophy remains?

If the same caution remains?

If the same approach to recruitment and European ambition remains?

Then what exactly has changed?

A new board member cannot suddenly transform the club if the fundamental decision-making culture remains untouched.

Celtic need more than a refresh

I’m not against board changes.

In fact, Celtic probably needed them.

But a genuine transformation would be measured by what happens next.

Does Celtic become more ambitious in the transfer market?

Does recruitment happen earlier?

Does the club properly address obvious weaknesses rather than hoping they disappear?

Does European competition become a genuine priority rather than something Celtic simply hope to qualify for each year?

Does communication with supporters improve?

And, most importantly, does the club start acting like an organisation with the resources and support base to compete at a higher level?

Those are the questions supporters should be asking.

Not simply whether two new directors have been appointed.

Because Celtic don’t need a different-looking boardroom for the sake of it.

We need different outcomes.

Until then, forgive me if I don’t get carried away by the latest “board refresh”.

The names have changed.

The vacancies have been filled.

But the person at the top of the ownership structure remains the same.

And until Desmond leaves, I struggle to believe the fundamental change Celtic supporters have been demanding will arrive.