‘Football Doctor’ needs to cure Celtic’s recruitment problem

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The Celtic Star

·24 March 2025

‘Football Doctor’ needs to cure Celtic’s recruitment problem

Chris Sutton has emphasised the significance of ‘Football Doctor’ Paul Tisdale’s contribution at Celtic as the summer transfer window approaches…

Paul Tisdale the manager of Bristol Rovers looks on during the FA Cup Second Round match between Bristol Rovers and Darlington FC at the Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2020 (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The self-proclaimed ‘football doctor’

The self-proclaimed ‘football doctor’ took on a senior position at Celtic Park in October last year, assuming control of the club’s football operations. Tisdale tends to stay out of the spotlight, focusing his efforts on Celtic’s academy, first team, and especially recruitment.

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Transfers, both incomings and outgoings, are always a major discussion for every club, and Sutton believes Tisdale must begin preparing for the summer ahead.

In his Daily Record column, Chris Sutton said: Celtic are in a superb position in that they pretty much know the title is in the bag. That means the Champions League planning has to be happening now. Who knows what kind of backing (the)Rangers will get from the 49ers as well.

Paul Tisdale manager of Milton Keynes Dons during the Sky Bet League One match between Milton Keynes Dons and AFC Wimbledon at Stadium mk on September 07, 2019 (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

Recruitment hasn’t been up to scratch

“Celtic brought in Paul Tisdale to sort out the recruitment after Rodgers admitted in recent years it hasn’t been up to scratch. Well, now we’ll find out what the football doctor is all about. Rodgers has his work cut out to achieve again next season – and it will be far from easy.”

It is still uncertain where Celtic will focus their efforts to strengthen the squad this summer. Kieran Tierney is rejoining the club after signing a pre-contract in January, bolstering the left-back position right away.

Celtic face an August Champions League play-off

Nicolas Kuhn of Celtic and Ridvan Yilmaz of theRangers during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, Celtic v theRangers, 16 March 2025. Photo O Rourke/Shutterstock

Rodgers’ side will most certainly face a season-defining Champions League play-off tie in August, while the Celtic manager considers possible new signings. There are also rumours of a few summer departures, most notably Nicolas Kuhn and Cameron Carter-Vickers, with Brendan Rodgers doing all he can to retain the services of both key performers.

Celtic looked weak in midfield against theRangers with Callum McGregor and Paulo Bernardo missing. That’s another issue for the Celtic manager and his ‘doctor’ to sort and there’s also the matter of the striker to replace Kyogo who left in January.

Will Daizen Maeda get the nod?

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Japanese striker seems to be surplus to requirements at Rennes but a return to Celtic Park for the 30 year-old seems unlikely to say the least. While Celtic spend on a replacement of will Daizen Maeda get the nod with Adam Idah retaining his spot as back-up?

Plenty of matter for the Celtic bosses to consider and the support will be looking for the squad to be strengthened so that the next level in the Champions League can be reached.

Conor Spence

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