John Park leaves Celtic after almost a decade as head of development
Friday 14 October 2016 16:46, UK
Celtic head of development John Park has left the Scottish champions after almost 10 years with the club.
Park, who joined the Hoops after leaving a similar role with Hibernian in January 2007, was responsible for bringing a host of top players to Parkhead during his tenure.
Victor Wanyama, Ki Sung-Yueng, Joe Ledley, Gary Hooper, Fraser Forster and Beram Kayal, who have all left Celtic in big-money deals, were among those lured to the club by Park.
He enjoyed similar success at Easter Road where he was responsible for identifying Scotland internationals Steven Fletcher, Gary Caldwell, Steven Whittaker, Kevin Thomson, Derek Riordan and current Celtic skipper Scott Brown.
Celtic chairman Ian Bankier said: "I thank John for his important contribution to the club and, on behalf of the board, give him our best wishes for the future.
"The identification and development of players is a fundamental part of the club's strategy and John has served the club with distinction. The club has commenced its search to appoint a successor to build on John's work here."
Chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "John has played a key role in the identification of some fantastic Celtic players over the years, players who have entertained the Celtic support and have gone on to have great careers with Celtic and beyond.
"I would like to thank John for the excellent job he has done for the club over the past nine years. I have enjoyed working with John and I am sorry that he has decided to move on. I wish John every success for the future.
