Celtic has announced a major overhaul of its supporter engagement strategy.
The club has pledged to put fans "at the heart" of operations both on and off the pitch in the 2026/27 season.
Interim chairman, Brian Wilson, highlighted the significance of the initiative by referencing the club's tradition and the fans' role in last season’s intense title run‑in. He said: "Jock Stein famously said 'football without fans is nothing'."
"Celtic supporters are renowned throughout the world for their passion and commitment to the Club."
"The power to make a difference when united in support of the team was confirmed in dramatic fashion in the closing stages of last season."
Wilson made it clear that the club has "made a commitment to improving our approach to supporter engagement and to create a structure through which better two-way communication can be achieved between the Club and the broad base of the support."
A central aspect of this plan is the investment in a dedicated supporter engagement operation. This includes the creation of a new senior leadership role, Head of Supporter Engagement, to oversee, coordinate, and drive all fan‑facing activity across the club.
Long‑serving Supporter Liaison Officer John Paul Taylor has been appointed to the role. Taylor will lead an expanded team, including a new Supporter Engagement Coordinator, with additional resources committed to improving how Celtic listens and responds to its fanbase.
Wilson acknowledged the existing good work in this area, particularly through the regular meetings with long-established supporter groups, but stated: "We now aim to do more to enhance the breadth and quality of that engagement."
The club is set to introduce changes to the Fans’ Forum, their main platform for direct dialogue with supporters. Celtic plans to take the forum "on the road" to venues beyond Celtic Park, to reach fans who may not be able to attend meetings at the stadium.
The objective is to broaden participation, ensure representation from a more diverse cross‑section of supporters, and make it easier for fans to be heard in their own communities.
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The creation of a new formal fan engagement model, branded "Celtic Connect", is also part of the overhaul.
The proposed framework would bring together a representative cross‑section of Celtic supporters with board members and senior executives in a structured forum designed to strengthen dialogue on key topics affecting fans and the club.
Supporters are being invited to help shape how Celtic Connect operates. The club has published its proposals and opened an official consultation, asking fans to review the plans and submit feedback via an online form by 5pm on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Wilson stressed that the new approach would be multi‑layered rather than relying on one initiative or appointment. He said: "As promised, this will not be through a single measure or appointment.
"We need a range of channels through which the views of the support can be reflected and responded to."
Celtic is also positioning supporter engagement as a central strand of a wider digital and matchday strategy.
Digital channels are seen as critical to communicating more frequently with fans, improving accessibility to club content and services, and delivering a more personalised experience.
The launch of the official Celtic FC app last December and this summer’s introduction of CelticPlayer, replacing Celtic TV, are presented as key building blocks in that transformation, with both platforms expected to evolve as part of the long‑term engagement plan.
Wilson concluded by linking the investment in people, structures, and technology to Celtic’s longer-term ambitions and identity.
He said: "By investing in our people, structures, and technology, and by opening up new opportunities for meaningful supporter voice and participation, we will shape an engagement approach that reflects the values, passion, and traditions of Celtic Football Club while helping to realise our ambitions for generations to come."
