Paul McStay has spoken publicly about his conversations with Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson regarding the Season Ticket Alliance and its bid for influence at Parkhead.
Lord Willie Haughey, a former non-executive director of the club, announced plans for the project that would be fronted by Parkhead icon McStay.
In February, Haughey revealed a plan that would see him contribute £2m into a fund for every 10,000 sign-ups, amid growing tensions between supporters and Celtic decision-makers.
The proposal was launched during a season marked by protests against the club’s board, with unrest running throughout the campaign.
The Green Brigade ultras group were locked out for five months, while the Celtic Fans Collective urged supporters not to renew their season tickets.
Despite the turbulent campaign, Martin O’Neill would lead the club to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
With attention now turning to the summer ahead, ambassador McStay addressed the current state of the Alliance and called for “unity” within the club.
Speaking on Frank McAvennie’s “Let Me Be Frank” podcast, McStay revealed he had spoken with Nicholson before travelling over from Sydney.
“I met some of the directors at the game on Saturday, and also before I came over from Sydney I had a call with Michael Nicholson,” McStay said.
He told Nicholson he intended to serve as ambassador for both the Celtic Charity Foundation and the Season Ticket Alliance, making clear his commitment to both causes.
“I relayed that to Michael and I said ‘I am going to be an ambassador for the Alliance, because I feel passionately about it, I think it’s something that should maybe have happened before, and especially with what has happened last year the supporter’s voices have to be heard’,” McStay said.
Nicholson’s response was measured, with McStay recalling that the Celtic chief simply acknowledged his decision and emphasised a desire for togetherness.
“He said ‘that is fair enough, it’s your decision’. He just said he wanted ‘unity’ as well,” McStay added, noting that unity had historically made Celtic a formidable force.
McStay was also keen to clarify that Haughey has no interest in joining the Celtic board or taking on a chairmanship role within the club.
“I know what he doesn’t want – and that is to be on the board, or chairman, he has really emphasised that,” McStay said of Haughey.
McStay insisted the Alliance’s purpose is straightforward, with the initiative entirely focused on amplifying the supporters’ voice at a senior level within the club.
“So to me, that should make it clear – this is about the supporters and making a difference to their voice being heard,” he concluded.
About the Author
