There's no doubt Celtic's principal shareholder Dermot Desmond has always moved to his own beat.
He has been described by those who know him best as someone who is deeply in tune with all the goings on at Parkhead and what punters want – despite his lack of public appearances. Managers and decision makers rave about the Irish billionaire and Celtic fans – craving more updates – know they have an experienced mind in the middle of the boardroom. And intrigue has been sparked after he was snapped deep in conversation with Ange Postecoglou within Celtic Park.
So what comes next for Celtic? Their dominance on these shores is relentless and they boast a manager the punters adore. Postecoglou is keenly aware of his standing but isn't ready to slow down. It's anything but a crossroads at a club where success is second nature but there's a tangible sense this is the time to strike and produce a European campaign which backs up their uncanny knack to ride roughshod over their opponents in Scotland.
Record Sport runs the rule over the five reasons why Desmond could have been in Glasgow.
Deal in Ange
The option that would delight every Celtic supporter across the globe. The Parkhead boss directed one fan to chairman Peter Lawwell last week when asked if a new contract was on the table. A fresh agreement after two seasons of success feels right but the 57–year–old has never appeared outwardly fussed over the prospect of a grandstand gesture, as his words and passion for the Parkhead club is evident. Postecoglou's stock is rising, however, it appears he is fully focused on a second crack at the Champions League. But fans wouldn't say no to a some more good news amid their pursuit of the Treble.
Big transfer plans
It's a squad packed with talent but it's clear the man in the dugout will never settle in the search of glory. There's no doubt domestic dominance has become commonplace but a rousing run in Europe feels long overdue. Postecoglou will need funds to make that happen and Desmond and Co are primed to help splash the cash this summer. It it could well be discussions were already centred around the winter window in 2023 – such is the way the man at the Celtic helm 'Never Stops' looking at how he can improve. The boss admits there could be changes and the limited wiggle room in terms of registering players for the Champions League hints at a fascinating summer.
A Celtic TV address
It's 13 months since the Irish tycoon spoke to his public during a lively interview with the club's in–house TV channel. He told Rangers there would never be a "new Celtic" and a sale is a non–option. He also heaped praise on Ange with the club closing in on title glory. The 72–year–old is never a dull listen and an update on his views for the club is a compelling listen with his ongoing absence from the club's AGM unlikely to end anytime soon.
Hooping it up at the Hydro
There's a big event in Glasgow tonight as punters get set to say thanks to Scott Brown and Mikael Lustig – two of the club's key men during an era of dominance. The list of famous guests is lengthy but will Desmond be set for the stage at the Hydro? Judging by his desire to shun the limelight then it would appear unlikely. But nothing can be ruled out and those in attendance would certainly be all ears if Desmond entered the fray.
A pop in to say hello
The least likely option. Everything Desmond does is with purpose and there isn't any major golfing events on nearby. Perhaps he is taking a short break to enjoy many of the stunning courses. But the circumstances point towards that being a long shot. Let's look at the facts; Celtic have secured a second consecutive booking at European football's top table and have a boss who appears hell–bent on making significant inroads across the continent. The time is now for a major summer and punters hope Desmond and Postecoglou are ready to bring further glory in the coming years.
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