Celtic hire Lee Congerton as new head of recruitment

Celtic have announced the hiring of former Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton as the club's new head of recruitment.

Lee Congerton has been hired as the new head of recruitment at Celtic Park. Picture: John Devlin

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The Welshman replaces John Park who left the Parkhead in October 2016 after nine years at Celtic Park. He will be responsible for overseeing the club’s recruiting department, including their international scouting network.

The 43-year-old has experience working as head of scouting at Chelsea and technical director at Hamburg in addition to his time spent on Wearside.

He exited the Stadium of Light in December 2015 having been placed on gardening leave following a period of 18 months in the job.

Congerton told the club’s website: “I am delighted to be joining a club of Celtic’s stature, it is a huge honour and I can’t wait to get started in making my contribution to such a fantastic institution.

“In recent years there has been some great work done at the club in the recruitment and development of some high-quality playing talent. I am really looking forward to adding my experience in this area and ensuring that we continue this high level of achievement.”

“I know Brendan [Rodgers] well, I know how he works and the quality he aims for. I am really looking forward to working with him again and Peter [Lawwell] to ensure that we continue to bring the very best to Celtic and give our fans players and a team they will be proud of”.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers added: “It is great news that we have been able to bring someone of Lee’s calibre to Celtic.

“He brings knowledge, experience and excellence to such an important area of our work and I know he will add real value to the club.

“We will always strive to be the best in everything we do and in Lee, we have brought the best to Celtic.”