flying start for new look academy

Gregor Kyle
IT’S been a busy start to his first day at work. On the wall in Tommy McIntyre and Chris McCart’s office is a whiteboard, covered with the names of current players, scouting targets and imminent signings.

On their desks the phones are ringing incessantly, while this exclusive interview with the club website is sandwiched between a series of meetings that stretches late into the afternoon.

It’s hardly what you would describe as a gentle introduction to his new job at Celtic Park, although the surroundings are not entirely alien to Celtic’s new Head of Professional Academy.

Since accepting the post back in April, former Scottish Football Association Head of Youth, McIntyre, has used every day off and spare minute to visit the park and Lennoxtown preparing for the official July 1 start date.

This has meant that both he and Celtic’s Head of Youth, McCart have been able to hit the ground running as they make the plans for the new campaign begin in earnest.

“I remember someone once said to me that if I had a chance to go into a club and observe and speak to the players, staff and coaches, before taking a job, it will be to my benefit,” said McIntyre. “I have to say that it has been invaluable.

“Chris has been excellent in inviting me in over the past few months and, coming in today, I feel as though I started months ago.

“Starting a new job can be a daunting task, but I don’t feel that way. I have come in, I know people, I know the faces and the idea has always been to hit the ground running and ensure that there is as little  disruption as possible. The experience has been invaluable.”

McIntyre’s first day at work signals the start of Celtic’s new Academy structure in earnest, with Chris McCart heading the operation and six ‘line managers’ covering each aspect of their work and co-ordinating the efforts of their staff.

Already their plans for the short and long term have swung into action and this afternoon at Celtic Park six of the club’s schoolboy players were in to sign their first professional contracts, while new arrivals from England will travel up to Glasgow over the coming days.

“It’s been exciting,” commented McIntyre. “You always think that you have everything covered, but you know that there will be things that you need to change and you need to be flexible.

“We are now gearing up for Friday, when we start training with the Under-17s and Under-19s.

“The staff have been tremendous, they have really gelled together and we have a good, healthy working environment.

“That will filter and drift down to the players and they will be able to see that we are working collectively and collaboratively. A lot of hard work lies ahead, but it will be enjoyable hard work.”

As Chris McCart explained, there will also be continuity in the relationship between the Academy and first-team set-up and similar to Gordon Strachan’s approach, where he took an active interest in promoting young players, new boss Tony Mowbray has already shown a similar interest.

“It adds some further excitement,” explained McCart. “We have had discussions and speaking to the manager and speaking to Mark Venus, they have an interest in youth football and have already asked who are the better younger ones and if they ready to move up and train with the first team.

“The young players are in their thoughts and that is the kind of working environment they fostered at Hibs and West Brom, promoting young ones and seeing just how far they can stretch them. It’s very encouraging and I am sure that the boys will appreciate that as well.”

The new Academy structure will see McIntyre take responsibility for the U19s and U17s, working directly with coaches Stevie Frail and Miodrag Krivokapic.

Elsewhere John McLaughlan will take charge of Intermediate Level, Martin Miller the Junior Academy, Brian Meehan will work as Welfare and Operations Manager, Ian Coll as Sports Science, Niam Mohammed as full-time Academy physiotherapist and Tom O’Neill in charge of scouting.

It is a framework which covers every age group and aspect of Academy life and one that McIntyre is clearly excited about playing his part in.

“I don’t think there has been a prouder moment for me than when I was first offered the job and spoken to about the work I will be doing and about the legacy and tradition of the club.” he said.

“I was in a comfortable job with the Scottish Football Association, a job that I was happy in and genuinely enjoyed, but I was presented with an incredible challenge by Chris and Peter Lawwell.

“Youth development today is a huge factor in football, not just in Scotland, but throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

“When you look at the resources that clubs put into youth development, there is far more detail and investment.

“At a club like Celtic, we have to go that extra yard to be the best we possibly can be and fulfil our aim of forming players who are able to play and compete in the Champions League.

“There is a new management structure in place, new coaches at the club and I think it’s an exciting time for everyone, not just for me coming into the job, but for the supporters, the staff, the players and everyone connected with it.”