Celtic are currently undertaking a review into the possible creation of a ‘Fan Advisory Board’ or similar.
The revelation was made during Monday night’s meeting with Celtic representatives and a number of fan groups and associations.
Celtic Fans Collective were present at the meeting with 10 representatives and member Paul Quigley asked the club if they had considered the creation of such an entity.
Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson confirmed the club have been ‘considering’ it would come back to supporters on ‘a clear timeline and structure for consultation’.
Celtic’s head of legal & governance George Campbell then explained that the club are currently undertaking a review to understand how a ‘Fan Advisory Board’ structure works.
He cited Manchester United and West Ham United as clubs who currently have a ‘Fan Advisory Board’ or similar.
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‘Fan Advisory Board’ discussed at Celtic meeting
The minutes from the meeting outline what was discussed about a possible ‘Fan Advisory Board’.
It reads as follows: “The Celtic Fans Collective raised the question of a ‘Fan Advisory Board’ or similar, with PQ (Paul Quigley, CFC) asking if this was something the Club had considered.
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“PQ suggested that would allow for fan representatives within the Club and facilitate two-way consultation. The Club were asked to confirm their position on this.
“MN (Michael Nicholson) confirmed that this is a matter that the Club is aware of and has been considering.
“Supporters requested a clear timeline and structure for consultation; the Club said they would come back on this point.
“This is linked to questions on the Fans Forum in the Fan Survey, and the Club has been looking at these structures as part of its broader supporter engagement development, considering the changing legislative landscape in England and Scotland, as well as the Club’s status as a public listed company.
“MN also confirmed that Club had met with the Celtic Trust regarding their survey.
“GC (George Campbell, Head of Legal & Governance) then explained the review the Club are currently undertaking – which includes identifying clubs (West Ham and Manchester United were mentioned) operating similar structures and examining who is on such boards, how individuals are elected, and what Terms of Reference apply, amongst other factors.
“GC confirmed that the Club will be speaking with other clubs to get direct feedback, and an overview of how such structures are working in practice. The Board would consider these issues further.”
Will Celtic follow in Rangers’ footsteps?
Rangers established a FAB in November 2023 after a selection process overseen by a committee independent of the club’s board. There were over 220 applicants for the seven positions on the board.
The club stated at the time: “The newly formed Fan Advisory Board (FAB) is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Rangers FC, providing vital input and guidance on key club matters and policies.
“Meeting at regular intervals with senior club management, the FAB will serve as a conduit for the voices and perspectives of our broader fanbase.”
If Celtic can soon follow suit, it should act as a much more accessible way of communicating the thoughts and feelings of the fanbase to the club’s hierarchy.