Celtic's lack of signings stretches fan patience

Celtic fans' patience is being tested to the limit as new signings remain conspicuous by their absence this summer. The club released another new strip on Thursday morning - the 'stadium range' is their third kit release of the summer - and the comments from supporters on social media were predictably pointed in clamouring for fresh faces. Interim chairman Brian Wilson's vow three weeks ago, shortly after Martin O'Neill's confirmation as permanent boss, that Celtic were primed to be "very active" with their recruitment has yet to come to pass. There have been plenty of outgoings. All six of last season's loan recruits have left, so have out-of-contract players Kasper Schmeichel, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Luis Palma, Stephen Welsh and Hayato Inamura have found new clubs. Vital players - the likes of Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and possibly even captain Callum McGregor - could well go too. It is not just a pruning of the squad O'Neill has to undertake, it is a major revamp. Almost every positioning requires strengthening. And despite last season's success, it is a squad crying out for more quality. Celtic's record in recent transfer windows has been more hit than miss and often left to a late dash as the deadline looms. Have they learned from those mistakes? The double triumph under O'Neill last season quelled unrest between fans and board, but discontent is bubbling away as the club's transfer inaction continues. [BBC]