Celtic have drafted former Tottenham manager David Pleat into their English scouting set up.
A former coach, director of football and consultant scout at Spurs, the North London club announced that the 80-year-old would be stepping back from his duties at the end of last season.
Credited with the signings of Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen and Ben Davies, Pleat describes himself as a ‘football obsessive’.
And Celtic head of recruitment Paul Tisdale has offered the former Luton Town boss a 12-month deal to flag up any prospective signings, primarily south of the border.
A consultant scout at Spurs for 14 years, former Mail Sport columnist Pleat criticised Tottenham’s decision to cast aside his years of scouting experience in a recent interview.
David Pleat has been brought in by Celtic to help with scouting in the English game
‘I was called in and informed: “It’s all data driven now we don’t need eyes and ears”. What nonsense. Data is all well and good when it enhances eyes and ears, not replaces them. I didn’t argue.
‘Two or three people have spoken to me about things. We’ll see. But I’m not finished. How can I step away? When it comes to football, I’m afraid I’m a total obsessive.’
