Celtic's massive rebuild looks set to begin this week – with new chief executive Dominic McKay set to start the job three months ahead of schedule.
Record Sport understands McKay is on the brink of standing down from his position as chief operating officer of the SRU in order to speed up his appointment as Peter Lawwell’s Parkhead successor.
And an official announcement of McKay’s decision could even be made as early as Tuesday morning, when the Stock Exchange reopens for business after the Easter bank holiday.
McKay was originally expected to begin his new post on July 1, when Lawwell will step away from the club after 17 years in charge.
But with major structural changes needed McKay has chosen to act urgently and to personally oversee the process.
It’s expected his first major task will be to appoint a new manager, with Englishman Eddie Howe clear front runner for the vacant hotseat.
It’s understood McKay has already held talks with the 43-year-old former Bournemouth boss and he could act swiftly in an attempt to push through Howe’s appointment before the end of the current season.
Celtic are also in the market for a director of football with Howe understood to have suggested ex-Bournemouth team-mate and close confidante Richard Hughes for that role.
And the club is facing a huge turnover of the current playing squad with skipper Scott Brown set to head up a summer exodus.
With so many major issues to resolve, McKay cannot afford to stay on at Murrayfield until his current contract expires.
It’s anticipated he will work hand in hand with Lawwell over the course of the next three months as the foundations are laid for Celtic’s new era.
