As promised, Rugger Guy came through with his expert analysis of the accounts from Celtic. The usual caveats are in place, these are his words, and I am merely the grateful publisher. See you on t…
philmacgiollabhain.ie
I don't pretend to understand finances, nor how the financial world operates, Lubo.
What I do know (from personal experience) is that it is vital to cut your cloth accordingly and to live within your means.
Whilst these accounts provided are unqualified by those within the club - they appear to be accurate within a 5% differential either side of the true bottom line.
The board have earned the ire of the fans at various junctures during their stewardship of the club, but it would be fair to say that they run a tidy gaff which still prospers within it's means.
They took a bit of a punt on Ange and his exclusive signings (I still believe he didn't have complete and full authority of the signings in season 1) and it has paid huge dividends in terms of silverware, a presence on the European stage, and an explosive boost in the value of many of our key players.
In the fantasy world, it would be great to go and dish out huge transfer fees and salaries on world-class talent, but Celtic (nor ANYONE in Scotland) can speculate to that extent in the real world of hard currency and meagre incomes.
It's true that the board are very much of the chinless wonder variety, but credit where it's due - the good ship Celtic continues to sail at a steady rate of nauts and doesn't appear to be in danger of capsizing anytime soon.