There have been some changes at Celtic lately, after months of trying from the supporters. Peter Lawwell was the first to step down from his post. That was followed by the sacking of Wilfried Nancy, alongside the departure of 'football doctor' Paul Tisdale. And there could be more in the future if rumours emerging are on the mark.
Michael Nicholson is another person that Celtic want to see head for the exit door. During his time at the club, the team's competitiveness has consistently deteriorated.
Quality players have been allowed to depart for big transfer fees, but they have never been replaced by someone of similar ability or even with the potential to reach those levels. Even worryingly, on a number of occasions, replacements have not been found at all.
Let's take a look at a few examples. Kyogo left last winter. The club allowed their first-choice striker to depart in the middle of the campaign, despite booking their place in the knockout round of the Champions League after more than a decade. Then they did not replace him. Similarly, they allowed Adam Idah to join Swansea City this summer, and then failed to get a late deal done for Kasper Dolberg, ultimately signing Kelechi Iheanacho as a free agent after the transfer window had closed.
'Offered his resignation' - Rumours emerge about Michael Nicholson's Celtic exit
As reported by Born Celtic, John 'Yogi' Hughes said on ACSOM:
"There’s rumours saying that Nicholson offered his resignation and was talked down. I assume it was Desmond who was doing the talking down.
“But for what reason I don’t know."
That is not the only rumour doing the rounds either. There has also been speculation that Nicholson has been talked into overseeing this transfer window. As Hugest stated:
"I remember someone said effectively his resignation has been accepted, but he’s been asked to see out the window because he was involved in planning for the window.
“So I don’t know what to believe, but all you know is who is responsible, and ultimately the CEO is responsible."
Well, all of these are mere rumours at this point in time. Time shall tell whether they are on the mark or not. For now, let's see if Celtic are able to pull off a successful January transfer window or not.
So far, they have signed only one new player, bringing in Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth. At the same time, they are believed to have made a bid to sign Jocelin Ta Bi, while a move for Niko Sigur is rumoured to be close to completion.