Charlie Nicholas has took aim at Dermot Desmond after the Celtic’s shareholder’s public fall out with Brendan Rodgers and fans.
Desmond has come under the spotlight this week after his handling of Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic exit hit the headlines.
The Celtic shareholder released a statement on the club’s official website as Desmond eviscerated Rodgers in an incredible blast that shocked almost every Celtic supporter.
And as the fallout of that statement continues, former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas who took brutal aim at Desmond over his handling of Rodgers, the statement and the treatment of the Hoops support.
Charlie Nicholas tells Dermot Desmond he ‘took too long’ to deal with ex-Celtic boss Rodgers
Firstly, Nicholas had Desmond’s handling of Rodgers in his crosshairs as the former Celtic and Arsenal striker sent scathing criticism to the Hoops shareholder.
Nicholas told Sky Bet, “It took Dermot Desmond too long to get involved with Brendan Rodgers.
“He tends to stand back, and that’s been part of the issue. When managers and teams are successful, the board see themselves as successful too.
“And they believe they’re the most successful board ever.
“Dermot Desmond…it’s his friendships and connections that give him influence, not majority ownership and we hardly ever see him at the stadium.
“He should have been on top of Brendan in the summer and asked ‘Why aren’t you renewing your contract?’
“If there was no good reason, he should have replaced him then.
“The summer transfer window was a disaster for both the club and the manager.
“Yet Rodgers tried to shift the blame onto others when he was equally responsible. Desmond waited too long.
“Now they’ve lost to Hearts and are eight points off them, and with Rangers coming up in a cup semi-final, he’s finally acted.
“Brendan had lost control – it had to happen.”
Nicholas tells Desmond to sell his shares and he’s ‘taken the fans for granted’ at Celtic
And as for Desmond and the Celtic board valuing the Parkhead support, Nicholas tells the Parkhead executives that they have taken them for granted for far too long.
Nicholas added: “I think it’s time that Dermot Desmond unloaded some of his shares.
“Celtic must get a principle of wider ownership – not necessarily one dominant shareholder.
“He doesn’t have a majority at the club, but his business circle keeps him in control of what is happening.
“It’s time that his stake was reduced so others can have a real say.
“Celtic’s greatness comes from the team and the fans who make the club what it is.
“The atmosphere at Celtic Park on European nights, that’s what defines the club.
“But the leadership has taken the fans for granted for too long.
“It’s become lazy and complacent.”
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