Dermot Desmond must face Celtic shareholders — one man cannot rule our club

Dermot Desmond’s Celtic AGM attendance should be the starting point for accountability at this club. That is why I fully support the Celtic Fans Collective’s campaign to get him into the room.

In the update shared with members, the Collective calls on Desmond to attend the 2026 AGM personally and answer questions about his role.

Its argument is simple: “With that influence comes a responsibility to be accountable.”

Exactly.

If Desmond carries the influence supporters believe he does, he should face the people affected by how he uses it.

Celtic AGM attendance must mean real answers

The Collective says Desmond has not attended an AGM for twenty years. It also makes clear that another representative or prepared statement will not satisfy this campaign.

I agree. Shareholders should be able to put questions to him and hear his answers directly.

However, the most significant part of this appeal is its insistence on scrutiny. The Collective wants a meeting where questions get heard, rather than another breakdown that leaves those questions hanging.

Supporters should take that seriously. Make the questions precise. Let the answers expose the thinking. Then follow up where an answer falls short.

The campaign’s message lists six fan organisations, 168 CSCs, 36 fan media and online platforms, and 2,848 independent supporters. Those figures describe a substantial network seeking engagement.

They deserve a response.

A shareholder’s influence needs limits

I have already examined why Desmond’s position as a shareholder must never be confused with sole ownership.

That distinction remains central.

My concern is that Celtic’s direction appears too dependent on one man’s judgement. Where does his influence begin? Where does it end? Who challenges it?

His personal statement on Celtic’s official website following Brendan Rodgers’ departure showed that he can address supporters publicly.

The AGM offers the opportunity to make that communication a conversation.

For me, the approach associated with his influence has become outdated. Celtic need fresh football expertise, clear responsibilities and a strategy supporters can understand.

Past success cannot provide permanent protection from scrutiny. Nor should personal wealth decide whose judgement goes unchallenged.

Celtic cannot be a golf-club talking point

At times, the distance leaves me feeling that Celtic risk becoming a prestige talking point among wealthy friends on a golf course.

I cannot know what Desmond says privately or what motivates him. But I can describe how that distance feels to a supporter who lives with this club’s results, disappointments and arguments every week.

Celtic mean too much for that feeling to persist.

For families who plan their lives around matches, this is an emotional and financial commitment stretching across generations.

We need to hear what he believes Celtic should become. We also need to know how anyone will judge whether his influence helps us get there.

Put these questions to Desmond

What is Celtic’s football plan for the next three to five years?

Who carries responsibility when recruitment and European ambitions fall short?

What authority do the executives hold independently of him?

Will he support meaningful supporter representation and publish clear commitments after the meeting?

The Celtic Trust’s proposed AGM resolutions already include a call for a published strategic plan. Its proposal uses the words “improve the performance of Celtic as a business and as a team”.

Those two aims should belong together.

Meanwhile, the Collective says it has received no indication that the club intends to progress its Fan Advisory Board proposals. That is its account, and Celtic should explain its position.

Supporters have done the work of proposing a way forward. The club should engage with it.

One man cannot rule Celtic

As I argued in our earlier examination of Celtic’s leadership, supporting this club does not require unconditional approval of its directors.

Celtic plc has a shareholding structure. But the club’s culture should welcome democratic participation, challenge and an effective supporter voice.

One man cannot be allowed to rule over Celtic as though disagreement requires his permission.

This must never become a dictatorship of personality.

I back the Collective’s call for quotes, banners and coordinated pressure focused on attendance and answers.

Dermot, commit to being there. Hear the questions. Explain your decisions. Accept the follow-up.

Celtic deserve leadership prepared to face the room.

Key takeaways

• I support the campaign for Desmond to attend the 2026 AGM personally.
• His influence must face direct, informed scrutiny.
• Supporters deserve a clear strategy and meaningful representation.