Now we know who to blame- Sutton reacts to Mark Lawwell’s exit

Chris Sutton is sceptical over Celtic’s statement that Mark Lawwell resigned as Head of First Team Scouting and Recruitment.

On February 23 in the Interim Report Chairman Peter Lawwell expressed his frustrations over the recruitment carried out during the January transfer window.

A week later the club used the same Friday time slot to announce that the Head of Recruitment and his assistant Joe Dudgeon had gone on gardening leave after less than two years in the job.

Putting two and two together in the Daily Record Sutton gives his take on the departure of the Celtic Recruitment chief:

There were questions over who was to blame for January – and the window last summer. Now it looks like we have the answer. Celtic might say Mark Lawwell is leaving to pursue other opportunities but it looks like he’s fallen on his sword.

There was an inevitability about this after Peter Lawwell’s statement in the interim accounts.

The chairman said the clubs shared the frustration about the lack of signings in the window when Brendan Rodgers had said he needed four quality recruits. The big question was why – and who was to blame? I think we now know.

There should be a collective responsibility when it comes to transfers from the recruitment team to the manager. But clearly something wasn’t right – and it goes back to last summer.

You look at the players coming in. Some of them clearly have not been fancied and that has put the spotlight on the recruitment team.

The spotlight now at Celtic is what happens next.

It would be fair to assume that very little work has been put in place for the summer transfer window which has the huge variable over whether Champions League group stage income is guaranteed or only available through a tough qualifying route.

With virtually no comment coming out of the club it remains to be seen whether there will be direct replacements for Lawwell and Dudgeon or a new set up in place such as appointing a Director of Football to oversee Recruitment and all playing matters at the club.

Joe Hart delivers uplifting three-word Instagram message after Celtic’s victory over Dundee

Celtic picked apart Dundee last night in the Scottish Premiership as Brendan Rodgers’ men proved they are right in the mix to win the league title.

As we all know, seven different goalscorers managed to add to their tally, providing the Hoops’ support with a night of entertainment that will hopefully set the tone for an exciting end to the season.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Adam Idah and Matt O’Riley started things off, with all three men scoring from headers, which could be an avenue the Bhoys look to exploit more over the coming months.

Daizen Maeda, Greg Taylor and Callum McGregor put their side into an unassailable lead at the interval, which understandably coincided with a slight drop in intensity in the second portion of proceedings.

Daniel Kelly curled home to score his first goal in green and white before Michael Mellon impressively volleyed home a mere consolation for the visitors.

Brendan Rodgers knows he needs to be mindful of over-exertion within the group; nevertheless, he was delighted by what he saw yesterday evening.

The Irishman stated: “I thought the level of our football for large parts was really good. We created a lot of opportunities, and in the second half, we kept pushing; we were creative, and seven different goal-scorers were great. Overall, a great performance and result for us.”

Joe Hart takes to Instagram after Celtic thrash Dundee

On the face of it, Joe Hart didn’t have much to do at Parkhead other than being left with no chance due to Mellon’s late effort.

The former England international, set to retire at the end of the season, made one save alongside a single punch; meanwhile, his pass accuracy was nearly flawless, completing 25 out of his 26 attempted balls (96%) [Sofascore].

Taking to Instagram, Hart delivered a simple message after last night’s events, stating in his latest post ‘a good night’ followed by a four-leaf clover emoji and a green love heart.

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Now into the twilight of his cycle as a footballer, the Shrewsbury-born man will have his eyes firmly cast towards trying to emerge with a domestic double to add to his five trophies at Parkhead.

Undoubtedly, he would like every match from now until May to be as quiet as his evening against Dundee; however, Hart still has plenty of time to have his say before hanging up his gloves.