It's that time of year again. Tomorrow, the club will host their AGM (Annual General Meeting) at the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park, in what is sure to be a lively affair as always for everyone involved.

This get-together presents shareholders with their only chance to grill the hierarchy of the club on a variety of points, both on and off the park, as the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Michael Nicholson and Peter Lawwell will answer questions put to them by those in attendance at the yearly event.

Despite Celtic’s strong start to the season in all competitions, there will be a number of topics to be discussed at the AGM on Friday morning, from matters on the pitch to financial queries and fan-related issues. With that in mind, The Celtic Way’s Ryan McGinlay outlines what issues you can expect to hear as the event progresses...

Pyrotechnics

One of the most contentious issues facing the club at the moment is that of the use of pyrotechnics, both home and away.

Indeed, Celtic’s suspended spectator ban handed out by UEFA will be a hot talking point to those in attendance, as the hierarchy will likely be asked about what measures will be taken to avoid further punishment from Europe’s football governing body. The club are on a tightrope, as another offence in the next two years could result in an away ban for supporters – or a partial Celtic Park stadium closure.

Expect a no-nonsense response by those in charge if asked about this issue – it is a divisive topic that has the potential to affect large numbers of the Celtic support if sanctions are handed out to the club.

Palestine

Perhaps the most sensitive topic that could be asked about at tomorrow’s AGM, the club have also faced fines for the support’s backing of the Palestinian cause via banners and flags.

Following banners at Rugby Park calling out the UK Government – as well as the disruption to a minute's silence - this is a talking point that isn’t going away anytime soon. The club’s response will be scrutinised regardless of their positioning on the issue.

With the situation no closer to a ceasefire or agreement, you can expect the support from key sectors in the Celtic support isn't going anywhere soon.

The Main Stand 

A byproduct of Celtic’s success on the park, questions will likely be asked on potential redevelopment on the Main Stand to increase stadium capacity.

With the season ticket waiting list now CLOSED due to exceptional demand, the appetite is certainly there for more spectators to be present at Celtic Park every second weekend. It must be underlined, however, that this would be a massive undertaking, both in financial and logistical terms. 

The club’s stance on this will be interesting to gauge, especially after Rangers’ problems with stadium development affecting their supporters’ attendance at games in the early part of the season. Will there be an appetite for redeveloping Celtic Park to increase capacity numbers? Time will tell.

Ticket exchange

It feels like Groundhog Day with this one, but this issue has still not been resolved yet, despite years of dialogue from those calling for a ticketing exchange system to be put in place.
Commonplace down south in the Premier League, as well as elsewhere in the Scottish Premiership the fact that this has still not been implemented for season ticket holders is bewildering for many. As mentioned before, the season ticket waiting list is closed, yet empty seats are not hard to find on matchdays outwith Glasgow Derbies and Champions League ties.

This would be a great way for the club to give back to those who cannot make it to certain games, as well as ensure that Celtic Park is at full capacity at all times. Don’t get your hopes up for development concerning this issue, would be our advice. 

January Transfer window (and beyond…)

With a little over a month to go until the reopening of the transfer window, shareholders will be keen to hear what Celtic’s plans are for January concerning player acquisitions. 

It will be interesting to see if Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale will speak to those in attendance, following his permanent employment after assisting the club in the summer transfer window after the departure of Mark Lawwell and Joe Dudgeon. 

How much more money will the manager and his staff be given to spend, especially after their exploits both domestically and in Europe this season? Perhaps more importantly, what players will be let go in search of more regular game time?

Though not as pressing as last season’s transfer misfires, a question or two may be posed to Rodgers, Tisdale and/or Nicholson.

Read more:

Brendan Rodgers’ contract

Can you believe that we are nearly halfway through the manager’s three-year deal? Time flies!

Though contract extensions for the likes of Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor will be high on the Celtic supporters’ agenda on the park, the long-term future of the manager will be a hot topic for those in attendance at the AGM.

With the club making moves off the park to suit Rodgers’ management – especially the appointment of Tisdale as Head of Football Operations – you would think that this is an issue that the club will be looking to remedy in the near future – if all parties are willing to extend this relationship.

Though football is an ever-changing game, and managerial vacancies are constantly being made available, you get the feeling that Rodgers is here for the long haul – many would hope.

An update on this would no doubt be welcomed by all in attendance, as well as the thousands who will be refreshing their pages tomorrow morning.

Celtic Fan Survey results

Those in attendance tomorrow will be expecting to hear the eagerly-awaited results of the Celtic Fan Survey, which took place in the summer.

This long questionnaire asked supporters about their matchday experience, as well as what changes they would make in order to enhance their attendance at Celtic Park games. ‘The Celtic End’ was championed by both the Green Brigade and the Bhoys fan groups when this survey was active – it will be interesting to hear if the supporters voiced their support – or not – of the proposed moving of the Ultras to the Jock Stein Stand in the future.

Another divisive issue that may cause scrutiny, regardless of survey results.

Final thoughts

Celtic’s hierarchy needs to get the tone right with this year’s AGM, after spending parts of last year’s meeting serving pot-shots at their rivals. Regardless of the jovial delivery, the phrase “penalty to Rangers” should never be uttered at an important event like this. If possible, no ‘five-way agreement’ or referee chat, please, though the nature of spectators’ questions cannot be pre-empted, unfortunately.

As a matter of fact, Celtic and their board members should aim to fully focus on the most important part of the AGM – themselves. Despite the team’s excellent start to proceedings – both domestically and in Europe – there are still a few issues that need to be resolved. 

Despite this, tomorrow’s event should be a brighter affair than 12 months prior – a direct result of their on-field efforts thus far.