Former Celtic captain, Tom Boyd, has insisted that while the Parkhead side cannot compete for top level players financially, that the club have already been rewarded by pushing the boat out for Brendan Rodgers.
Season ticket sales have been bolstered by Rodgers’ appointment with excitement levels among the club support echoing the arrival Martin O’Neill’s at the club in the latter stages of Boyd’s playing career.
However, while O’Neill was able to entice established English premiership players, Rodgers’ resources suggest more modest acquisitions this summer, something that Boyd believes can still bring considerable success.
Read more: Manchester City defender Chidiebere Nwakali wanted by Celtic
Celtic’s recent reputation in that department has been impressive – Victor Wanyama could net the Parkhead side a substantial sell-on fee this summer if the Kenyan heads to Tottenham Hotspur – cementing Boyd’s belief that spending big in the transfer market does not always guarantee success.
“I think the thinking has been to live within our means,” said Boyd. “But when you look at the strategy of getting in a high profile manager – it’s certainly paid off in terms of winning the fans back.
“They have done the right thing by changing direction and it should be applauded.
“We can’t get someone from the top level of English football or world football so we’re still trying to bring in names for entertainment.
“The best players at this club can be ones that are found – I’m thinking of your Henrik Larssons and Lubo Moravciks. Seriously, some of the highest profile players have not been as successful as we’d have hoped so it’s trying to get the strategy right.
“Big money spent on players has not always worked out so we’ll see how it pans out.”
Read more: Tom Boyd - Neil Lennon has nothing to prove at Hibernian
Meanwhile, Boyd has also backed Neil Lennon after the former Celtic player and manager was named as Alan Stubbs’ replacement at Hibs.
The Irishman was believed to have been considered for a second spell in the dug-out at Celtic Park before Rodgers came to the fore, and Boyd has backed Lennon to rehabilitate himself in Edinburgh after a sobering experience at Bolton.
“Hibs are a big club in Scottish football,” said Boyd, who played alongside Lennon when Celtic last won a domestic Treble. “If he can turn them around it will go well for his CV.
“It would be strange to see him manage against Celtic but it would be the same if he was an ex player coming up against them. It will be difficult.
“But he’ll do his job. That will be unquestioned. If they ever meet in the cups or get promoted, he’ll be out to do his best for Hibernian Football Club – the same as he did at Celtic and Bolton.”
Read more: Brendan Rodgers names Chris Davies as Celtic assistant manager
Tom Boyd was promoting the Celtic Foundation annual golf day. Spaces are still available for two further teams for the event.
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