Post by Taxigirl on Oct 8, 2005 9:17:49 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/4320064.stm
Celtic chairman Brian Quinn insists the club are still looking to a future outside the Scottish Premier League.
Past overtures to enter the English Premiership or join some form of European league have come to nothing.
Speaking at the club's AGM, Quinn told BBC Sport: "I don't think it's imminent but the ice is beginning to crack.
"Are thing capable of changing? Yes. Are forces at work to bring about change? Yes. Are Celtic keeping an eye on these developments? Most certainly."
Quinn went on to dismiss suggestions that manager Gordon Strachan has received more finance than his predecessor, Martin O'Neill, for squad strengthening.
Some disgruntled fans believe the board should have given the O'Neill more to spend on players to build on the Uefa Cup final appearance in 2003.
But Quinn said: "That is one of the myths.
"Martin was here five years and, during those years, he had the same money at his disposal as Gordon has had.
"People concentrate on transfer fees, but it is up to the manager how he wants to spend it.
"Martin wanted to maintain the tried and trusted players and Gordon has gone down a different road and has had to make big changes by bringing new people in and moving people out.
"But it is wrong for people to think Gordon has had more money to spend."
Celtic also announced plans for a new training complex in Lennoxtown.
The club have applied for planning permission for the development and hope to have it ready in time for the 2007/08 season.
Celtic chairman Brian Quinn insists the club are still looking to a future outside the Scottish Premier League.
Past overtures to enter the English Premiership or join some form of European league have come to nothing.
Speaking at the club's AGM, Quinn told BBC Sport: "I don't think it's imminent but the ice is beginning to crack.
"Are thing capable of changing? Yes. Are forces at work to bring about change? Yes. Are Celtic keeping an eye on these developments? Most certainly."
Quinn went on to dismiss suggestions that manager Gordon Strachan has received more finance than his predecessor, Martin O'Neill, for squad strengthening.
Some disgruntled fans believe the board should have given the O'Neill more to spend on players to build on the Uefa Cup final appearance in 2003.
But Quinn said: "That is one of the myths.
"Martin was here five years and, during those years, he had the same money at his disposal as Gordon has had.
"People concentrate on transfer fees, but it is up to the manager how he wants to spend it.
"Martin wanted to maintain the tried and trusted players and Gordon has gone down a different road and has had to make big changes by bringing new people in and moving people out.
"But it is wrong for people to think Gordon has had more money to spend."
Celtic also announced plans for a new training complex in Lennoxtown.
The club have applied for planning permission for the development and hope to have it ready in time for the 2007/08 season.