Why Paul Tisdale’s Recent Recruitment Comments Could Explain Specific Celtic Summer Dealing

Paul Tisdale was officially announced as Celtic’s new Head of Football Operations last week, sparking excitement among supporters.

The 51-year-old did a terrific job during his 12 years at Exeter City. He took charge of almost all aspects of the club and eventually led them to their highest-ever finish in the English Football leagues.

A self-described ‘Football doctor’, Tisdale helped Celtic with recruitment over the summer.

It was a busy transfer window for the Hoops, who got rid of lots of deadwood and drafted in a wealth of new, exciting talent. Key player Matt O’Riley was also sold for a record fee.

Tisdale likely had a hand in several dealings, but his recent comments on episode 36 of the Business of Sport podcast pinpoint one specific series of transactions he may have been involved in.

“You can’t promote development and help the players get to a higher level if you don’t allow them to get there,” he explained.

“All you’re doing is setting yourself up for the wrong environment for the next player. You’ve got to find the right balance.”

These comments ring true regarding Celtic’s handling of Matt O’Riley’s sale and the subsequent signing of Arne Engels.

The Scottish Premiership champions sold O’Riley at peak value and allowed him to reach the next level despite the fact his services would have been useful for a crack at the newly formatted Champions League.

They didn’t make him hang around, though, and promptly brought in Engels – the ‘next player’ – for £11m, making sure he wasn’t coming into the ‘wrong environment’, with O’Riley now gone.

This was a welcomed, forward-thinking piece of Business from the club. Fans will hope dealings like this become more frequent with Tisdale now permanently at Celtic.