Hammond quits Celtic to ‘pursue new opportunities’

CELTIC yesterday confirmed Nick Hammond had resigned from his post as the club’s head of football operations. The recruitment chief has left Parkhead after joining in 2019. He leaves to pursue new opportunities, according to the club.

Confirming the news on their website, Celtic wished the former Reading and West Bromwich Albion director of football the best for the future.

A short statement read: “Head of football operations Nick Hammond has resigned from his position at the club to pursue new opportunities. All the best for the future, Nick.”

Chief executive Peter Lawwell also shared his gratitude to Hammond for the work he has done since joining.

He said: “We would like to thank Nick for his contribution to Celtic across the past two seasons. Everyone at the Club wishes Nick the very best for the future.”

Hammond signed a deal at Celtic Park after previously having worked as director of football and technical director positions down south. He has been at the fore as Celtic splashed £12million during the summer on the likes of Albian Ajeti and Vasilis Barkas, as well as the loan signing of Shane Duffy.

But his contribution has been widely criticised this season after a disastrous summer transfer window saw Celtic’s previously vice-like grip on Scottish football weaken as Rangers were allowed to steamroller to their first title in a decade.

The news comes ahead of a summer overhaul of football operations at the club, with a new manager to be named as well as, we understand, a director of football.

The likes of Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin, Juventus scout Matteo Tognozzi and former Huddersfield sporting director David Webb have all been linked with the post.

Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond put out an interview via Celtic’s media channels last week, answering questions on the recruitment process for the new manager, but made no mention of whether the club were pursuing a director of football.