Celtic are putting the pieces together to overhaul their recruitment and scouting set-up behind the scenes ahead of the summer transfer window.
Earlier this year it was announced that head of player recruitment Mark Lawwell and chief first-team scout Joe Dudgeon would be placed on gardening leave and exit their roles.
That came after complaints about transfer windows that put too much focus on finding players with future potential and not enough on improving Brendan Rodgers’ first-team squad.
It wasn’t just supporters left frustrated. Rodgers himself spoke in the media about the recruitment failures.
Now, the Celtic boss is getting a hire reported to be ‘highly rated’ by himself personally.
Celtic add Mark Cooper to the ranks
The Scottish Daily Mail states that Mark Cooper has been appointed to a prominent role behind the scenes in a revamp of the scouting department.
Previously working as a scout in South America with the club, Cooper is reported to be returning to Glasgow in a full-time role with the remit of improving recruitment.
It’s said that Cooper is already at work to draw up a list of transfer targets who can make an impact at the Bhoys.
Big summer ahead for Celtic
If Celtic go on and win the league, banking more UEFA Champions League cash than ever before, the resources available to the club in the transfer market will be huge. Especially in comparison to the rest of Scottish football.
Recruits are needed all over the field with the Bhoys already knowing that their number goalkeeper is retiring and reinforcements are required in defence, for starters.
After two lacklustre transfer windows in a row, this is one they must get right so everyone is hoping that Cooper, Rodgers and the rest of the recruitment staff at the club find the right blend of potential and quality.