Brendan Rodgers insists he can’t wait to work alongside Celtic’s new head of football operations Paul Tisdale.
As Mail Sport first reported, the 51-year-old has been appointed to a new senior role overseeing the identification and development of talent and will also be handed a remit to revamp the club’s data and analytics function.
Describing himself as a ‘football doctor’, the former Exeter City boss also coached MK Dons, Bristol City and Yeovil Town in a managerial career which spanned more than 1,000 games.
Head of recruitment Mark Lawwell and chief scout Joe Dudgeon left Celtic in March. And Tisdale — once described as the ‘most stylish man in football’ — will now work with manager Rodgers on delivering players capable of improving results in the Champions League.
‘I am so pleased that we have been able to bring Paul to the club in this important new role and I am really looking forward to working with him,’ said Rodgers.
‘He is a hugely talented man who I know will make a real positive difference to us and give us a new edge.
Paul Tisdale has been appointed as Celtic’s head of football operations
The Englishman has managed over 1,000 games for clubs including Exeter and Bristol City
‘He knows modern football inside out, he understands what we need as a club, what our team needs to operate at a high level, and how we can develop positively and successfully across a number of functions within the club.
‘I have known Paul for some time and have been well aware of his work. I know that he will be a huge asset to Celtic and that his knowledge, talent and tremendous work ethic will be crucial to us as we drive forward across a number of areas, always with the aim of delivering higher performance and more and more success.’
His playing career cut short by injury at the age of 26, Tisdale was credited with uncovering Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins at Exeter as well as Wales international Ethan Ampidou and current Swansea captain Matt Grimes.
Brendan Rodgers insists he is looking forward to working with Tisdale at Celtic
Setting up as a football consultant during lockdown, the Englishman provided advice to clubs including Crystal Palace and Fulham on recruitment, football operations, analytics and coaching development.
And, after helping Celtic through a summer transfer window when they broke the club transfer record twice, he now moves to Parkhead on a permanent basis.
‘It is a huge honour to accept this new role at Celtic and join a club of such pedigree and stature,’ said Tisdale.
‘I can’t wait to join the team, to begin my work and deliver positive results. Celtic demands and deserves excellence across all areas and I know that that is something the board and Brendan seek at all times.
‘In my role I will be doing all I can to further develop our work across talent identification, development and analytics, always with the aim of ensuring high-level support of football performance.
‘Having knowledge already of Celtic, I know there are so many quality, authentic people at the club all pulling in the same direction and passionate for success.
‘I look forward to joining them as we work together to deliver excellence for the club and our supporters.’