Former Celtic striker and Football Insider pundit Frank McAvennie has been giving his thoughts on Conor McGregor’s recent off-field Hoops claim.
The Lowdown: McGregor’s ‘conversation’
McGregor posted on Twitter in the early hours of Monday morning, admitting that he has had a ‘conversation’ on acquiring shares from Celtic owner Dermot Desmond. The UFC star didn’t specify as to when those talks took place, adding that he would be interested in investing in a sports team, with Manchester United also name-checked.
The 32-year-old was revealed as the highest-paid athlete in the world in recent days, and it appears as if he is keen to make his mark away from the Octagon in the future with shares in a sports team.
The Latest: McAvennie stunned
McAvennie was talking to Football Insider regarding McGregor’s recent claim. The 61-year-old admitted that it ‘would be incredible for Celtic’ and dropped an inside claim on Desmond, revealing that he isn’t aware of the 70-year-old willing to sell his shares.
The former Hoops striker said:
“Nah, no chance. Not a chance.
“It’s all hype, good publicity. Conor is brilliant in his field and he’s got the brass neck that goes with that.
“I’m not sure if he’s got the money. He’s an intelligent guy, even if he has been battered around the ring a few times.
“I’m not sure someone his age wants to put money into Celtic, or any football club for that matter.
“It’s a labour of love and Conor is a man for making something happen. It would be incredible for Celtic but I don’t see it happening.
“I’ve never heard of Desmond wanting to sell his shares anyway.
“Can you imagine him walking into the boardroom doing his McGregor walk? It would be good fun.”
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The Verdict: Off-field changes could tempt McGregor?
Plenty of behind-the-scenes changes have been going on at Celtic Park recently. Dominic McKay is in as the new CEO with Peter Lawwell retiring over the coming months, head of football operations Nick Hammond has resigned and recruitment chief Gary Penrice also looks set to leave.
A new director of football and first team manager are yet to be announced, so with the off-field reshuffle, it wouldn’t surprise us if McGregor looked to reignite his bid to invest at Parkhead.
You’d expect the UFC superstar to boost the club’s profile and financial wealth, should he acquire shares in Celtic, but it seems as if Desmond has no interest in selling any just yet.
In other news: 'Something happened with Lennon’ - McAvennie's inside Celtic claim as news emerges on ace who wants out; find out more here.