Paul Tisdale has been working hard behind the scenes for Celtic in identifying January transfer targets.
Celtic’s head of football operations is collaborating with Brendan Rodgers to find wingers as well as look towards signing a striker before the window slams shut at the end of the month.
Numerous names have been chucked into the mix so far including Mathias Kvistgaarden who has been scouted as recently as November in person.
Others including Louie Barry have also been watched and with a personal touch with the club having sent staff to watch the Aston Villa attacker in person.
David Pleat has been handed a 12-month Celtic scout role
That might be considered an old school process with data and statistics now driving a lot of football scouting, but one man Tisdale has now appointed to his staff is an experienced pro who prefers to watch players with his own eyes.
Former Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Luton boss David Pleat has, according to the Daily Mail, been drafted in by Tisdale to help identify potential signings from down south.
Pleat has reportedly been given a 12-month contract to represent Celtic in looking for players primarily in England.
Spurs recently opted to get rid of Pleat despite his decades of experience but their loss could well be Celtic’s gain as he has been credited with unearthing the likes of Dele Alli and Ben Davies at Spurs among others.
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On the club’s decision to let him go, Pleat recently told the Telegraph that he found it a “nonsense” that scouts watching games in person has seemingly become a thing of the past.
And after owner Daniel Levy informed him of his decision to axe his role, Pleat was honest in his assessment of how the role of a scout has changed.
David Pleat says scout role has descended into a ‘nonsense’
“Daniel Levy called me in (July) and said, you know it’s all data driven now, we don’t need eyes and ears,” he said.
“What a nonsense.
“I didn’t argue. He’s in charge. Actually, I have huge respect for him.
“The legacy of the new stadium and training ground will always be there.
“That is all down to him and his drive. Although they’ve won nothing for years.”