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Credit Corp Group Limited

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FY2016 Annual Report · Credit Corp Group Limited
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Celtic plc Annual Report Year Ended 30 June 2016

C O N T E N T S

Chairman’s Statement  ........................................................................  1

Remuneration Report ......................................................................... 21

Company Balance Sheet .................................................................  31

Summary of the Results .....................................................................  1

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement ....................................... 24

Statements of Changes in Equity ................................................ 32

Chief Executive’s Review....................................................................  3

Five Year Record .................................................................................... 25

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement ...........................................33

Strategic Report.......................................................................................  5

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members ................... 26

Company Cash Flow Statement ..................................................  34

Directors’ Report ................................................................................... 13

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income ....... 29

Notes to the Financial Statements.............................................  35

Corporate Governance ...................................................................... 17

Consolidated Balance Sheet .........................................................  30

Directors, Officers and Advisers ..................................................  60

2

3

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT Ian Bankier

SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS

Operational Highlights
Winner of the SPFL Premiership – 5 in a row

Participated in the UEFA Europa League  
playing 6 home European matches (2015: 6)

28 home matches played at  
Celtic Park (2015: 29)

New shirt sponsorship with  
Dafabet and Magners

Unveiling of Billy McNeill statue

Financial Highlights
Group revenue increased by 1.8% to £52.0m

Operating expenses increased by 7.3%  
to £57.1m

Exceptional costs of £1.7m (2015: £0.7m)

Gain on sale of player registrations of  
£12.6m (2015: £6.8m)

Profit before taxation of £0.5m  
(2015: loss of £3.9m)

Year-end net cash at bank of £3.6m  
(2015: £4.7m)

Investment in football personnel of  
£8.8m (2015: £9.4m)

These results, which show a profit before taxation of £0.5m 
compared to loss before tax of £3.9m last year, in comparable 
trading conditions, reflect in large part the increased contribution 
during the year from the sale of player registrations. Following two 
seasons in which the Club did not qualify for the Group Stages of the 
UEFA Champions League, the increased contribution from player 
trading enabled the Company to maintain investment in football 
operations and to continue to build for the future.

The Board continues to believe that the Company’s self sustaining 
financial model provides the necessary stability to preserve the long 
term future of the Club and player trading remains an important 
element of that model. Allied to player trading is the creation of 
the next generation of Celtic stars in our Youth Academy and I am 
glad to say that season 2015/16 saw a great example of that Celtic 
tradition, with Kieran Tierney establishing himself in the first team, 
being rewarded with his first full international call up for Scotland 
and being named PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year.

During the year, Ronny Deila decided to leave the Club at the end 
of season 2015/16. Ronny signed off with success, as Celtic were 
crowned champions of Scotland at the end of the season, making it 
five in a row. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ronny for 
his contribution to the Club during his time here and to wish him the 
best for the future. 

Following an exhaustive recruitment process, the Club was  
delighted to announce the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as 
manager in May. The scenes at Celtic Park as Brendan was unveiled 
were fantastic and created a real sense of optimism for the season 
ahead. I am delighted to say that, so far, that optimism has been 
realised this season, as the team has qualified for the Group Stages 
of the UEFA Champions League and currently sits top of the SPFL 
Premiership table playing attractive, attacking football. We welcome 
Brendan and his staff to Celtic Park and congratulate them and the 
team on the success to date. We will continue to support them to 
deliver football success.

The Club remains committed to improving the football environment 
in which Celtic plays. At a time of change, it is important that we 
continue to be at the forefront of the development of the game.  
Peter Lawwell, our Chief Executive, sits on the board of the SPFL, 
the European Club Association and the Club Competition Committee 
of UEFA. The Club continues to work with clubs and all those 
involved in football governance to identify means in which to improve 
the game in Europe.

We all  
share the  
same  
desire  
- the best .  
for  
Celtic

During the year, Eric Riley resigned as Financial Director of the 
Company with effect from 31 December 2015. On behalf of the 
Board, I would like to thank Eric for his huge commitment to the 
Company, his distinguished service over 20 years and his vital role  
in the development of the Company and the promotion of the  
game in Scotland. Eric remained as a non-executive director until  
30 June 2016 to assist with the handover to his replacement,  
Chris McKay, and remains a member of the board of The Celtic 
Football and Athletic Company. The Board welcomes Chris, who 
joined from global consultancy firm, Deloitte. 

In closing, I am pleased to say that the year to June 2016 also  
saw continued success for the Celtic FC Foundation. I thank all  
those involved in the operation of the Foundation and in donating 
time and money to it, as it is such an important part of what our  
Club is all about. 

As we look forward with confidence to the year ahead, on behalf of 
the Board I thank our supporters, shareholders, sponsors, partners 
and colleagues. We all share the same desire - the best for Celtic. 
We will continue to strive to deliver that. 

Ian P Bankier, Chairman 
19 September 2016

A   C L U B   L I K E   N O   O T H E R

1

2

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW Peter Lawwell

On the pitch, the year to 30 June 2016 did not meet with our 
expectations. Whilst the SPFL Premiership title was retained, our 
performances in the domestic cup competitions and in European 
competition were poor, as the Club failed to reach either domestic 
cup final and failed to qualify for the Group Stages of the UEFA 
Champions League for the second successive season. Off the pitch 
the Company returned to profit, mainly as a result of the transfer of 
certain player registrations during the period leading to a gain on sale 
of player registrations of £12.6m (2015: £6.8m). This enables us to 
continue to deliver long term sustainable football success in a very 
challenging environment.

After a more successful first season, Ronny Deila decided to leave 
the Club at the end of last season and goes with our best wishes. His 
second league title, and the Club’s fifth title in a row, provided a good 
base for Brendan Rodgers to build on, which he did by qualifying for 
the Group Stages of the UEFA Champions League. In welcoming 
Brendan and his staff, I must congratulate them and the team on 
that achievement, so soon after Brendan’s arrival at the Club. I know 
that Brendan is committed to bringing success to the Club and the 
Board will support him in that effort. Our objectives during this season 
remain success in all three domestic competitions and in the UEFA 
Champions League.

For a club like Celtic, operating in a market where television  
values have fallen significantly behind our neighbours across  
Europe, qualification for the Group Stages of the UEFA Champions 
League is of paramount importance. The financial rewards allow for 
investment in the playing squad and physical assets, but moreover, the 
prestige of participating in the premier club competition in the world 
reinforces the reach and importance of the Club to so many people 
around the world.

Fundamentally, Celtic is a Champions League club; our infrastructure 
and continued investment reflect that. At a time when the direction 
of travel in European football is towards elite level clubs, we must 
remain at the forefront of developments in the game domestically and 
across Europe. Celtic should be at the top of the game in Europe and 
the Board and I have that objective as a priority. We continue to work 
tirelessly on seeking to improve the football environment in which the 
Club operates. 

We remain of the opinion that our core strategy should remain 
focussed on a football operation with a self sustaining financial model, 
relying upon: the youth academy; player development with world 
class coaching; player recruitment; management of the player pool; 
and sports science and performance analysis. The Youth Academy 
continues to form an important part of our strategy. This year the 
investment made in the Academy and the partnership with St Ninian’s 
High School continued to deliver positive outcomes, as Kieran Tierney 
became a regular in the first team and Aiden Nesbitt, Joe Thompson, 
Anthony Ralston and Jack Aitchison all made competitive first team 
debuts, with Jack becoming the youngest ever first team debutant and 
the youngest player to score in his first game for Celtic. The ultimate 
objective, for the players and the Club, is to create Champions League 
players, playing the Celtic Way and this year Kieran made his debut in 
the competition.

During the year, I was immensely proud to join Billy McNeill and his 
family on the Celtic Way to unveil the magnificent statue of Billy 
lifting the European Cup. Billy will always embody the Celtic Way and 
the statue stands as a fitting tribute to a true Celtic legend and as 
inspiration to the next generations of young players who learn to love 
the game at Celtic Park.

Celtic supporters continue to support the Celtic FC Foundation as  
it develops into one of the most successful club charitable 
organisations in the world. That support is not surprising, but it is  
not taken for granted. I thank everyone involved in the continued 
success of the Foundation.

Nor is the continued success of Celtic to be taken for granted. It 
requires hard work and commitment, both on and off the field. I thank 
all of my colleagues, our supporters, shareholders and club partners 
for all of their efforts in support of such an important cause.

Peter Lawwell, Chief Executive
19 September 2016

3

Brendan is 
committed 
to bringing 
success to  
the Club

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERSTRATEGIC REPORT

STRATEGY AND BUSINESS MODEL
The Group’s objective is to create a world class football club  
through our strategy and business model for growth focusing on  
three key areas:

(i) 

 Core Business – football operations with self sustaining 
financial model, relying upon: youth academy; player 
development; player recruitment; management of the player pool; 
sports science & performance analysis; and football success.

(ii) 

 Development of the Celtic Brand, incorporating the Celtic Park 
Masterplan and the development of international revenues.

(iii) 

 Improvement in the football environment in which  
Celtic plays, and representation within football governance  
and administration at domestic and European level.

THE BUSINESS REVIEW
The principal activity of the Group is the operation of a professional 
football club, with related and ancillary activities. The principal activity 
of the Company is to control and manage the main assets of the 
business whilst the majority of operating activity is carried out by a 
subsidiary of Celtic Plc, Celtic FC Limited. As a result, both of these 
companies are managed and controlled as a single entity in order to 
achieve the objectives of the Group.

The Group is organised into 3 main operating divisions; 
(i)   Football and Stadium Operations; 
(i)   Merchandising; and 
(i)   Multimedia and Other Commercial Activities.

The financial results of these divisions are reported in note 3 to the 
Financial Statements. Football and stadium operations includes all 
revenue and costs in relation to all football operations, ticket office, 
stadium and youth development. Merchandising includes all retail, 
wholesale and mail order activities. Multimedia and other commercial 
activities include all other revenue generating departments.

The operation of a professional football club encompasses a wide 
range of activities including: football operations and investment; 
operation of the Celtic FC Youth Academy; match ticketing; 
merchandising; partner programmes, marketing and brand  
protection; multimedia; stadium operations, facilities and property; 
catering and hospitality; public relations and supporter relations;  
and human resources.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The Group monitors performance against the following key 
performance indicators:

Sales performance per division

Football success

• 
•  Match attendance statistics
• 
•  Wage and other costs
• 
• 
• 

Capital expenditure
Profit and cash generation
Shareholder value

The Group operates with a 5 year plan which is updated and reviewed 
on an annual basis. A detailed budget is prepared and approved by the 
Directors in advance of each trading year. The budget identifies all the 
key performance areas noted above. The actual performance of the 
Group is then monitored against the budget with particular emphasis 
against the key performance indicators as noted above.

Monthly management accounts are prepared highlighting performance 
against budget and the prior year, detailing analysis of sales 
performance and total cost control including total labour costs and 
capital expenditure. The management accounts also include regular 
re-forecasts of the anticipated outturn performance for the financial 
year end to which they pertain.

Actual and forecast performance is fully considered at the regular 
Board meetings linking back to profit and cash generation as well 
as total shareholder value. Management meetings are held to 
discuss actual and forecast performance with future action agreed 
accordingly. On a weekly basis, performance is reported through a 
series of key performance indicators, which are shared with business 
decision makers and managers, including divisional sales and match 
attendance analysis. 

A review of performance of the Group, particularly in relation to 
football success and match attendance statistics, and a review of the 
sales performance, wage and other costs, capital expenditure and 
profit and cash generation of each operating division is outlined in this 
Strategic Report, under the sub headings which follow, as appropriate.

(i) FOOTBALL & STADIUM OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW
The Club enjoyed mixed fortunes on the field in 2015/16, winning 
our fifth Scottish Premiership title in a row eventually finishing the 
season with 86 points, 15 ahead of Aberdeen, but missing out in 
European and domestic cup competitions. 

Disappointingly, we failed to qualify for the lucrative UEFA 
Champions League group stages or to progress beyond the group 
stage of the Europa League. 

Domestically, we exited at the semi-final of the William Hill Scottish 
Cup, and lost out at the same stage of the League Cup against 
eventual winners Ross County.

Leigh Griffiths was the Premiership’s top scorer with 31 league 
goals, having scored 40 goals in total in all competitions, and was 
named Scottish Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, 
as well as capturing the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year 
award. Teammate Kieran Tierney scooped the Young Player prize.

Further changes to the playing squad took place during the 2015/16 
season with the arrival of Jozo Simunovic, Logan Bailley, Kristoffer 
Ajer, Nadir Ciftci, Saidy Janko, Erik Sviatchenko, Carlton Cole and 
Colin Kazim-Richards however, prudent management of the player 
pool remains a key part of our strategy, in terms of maintaining a 
strong first team squad and investing for the future.

Towards the end of the season, manager Ronny Deila, assistant  
John Collins and two other senior members of their backroom  
team departed the Club after two years at the helm, leaving with  
our very best wishes. 

Following their departure, Celtic was delighted to be able to 
announce the appointment of one of the most highly regarded  
and sought after managers in Europe in former Liverpool boss 
Brendan Rodgers. The Northern Irishman joined the Club on  
1st June 2016, and was quick to secure the services of two 
respected former colleagues in Assistant Manager, Chris Davies, 
and Head of Performance, Glen Driscoll. The new team have brought 
a vast amount of experience and professionalism to the football 
backroom operation.

We remain committed to the strategy of careful use of our financial 
resources, whilst continuing our efforts to strengthen the first team 
squad and develop young, high-potential talent. Our Training Centre 
at Lennoxtown continues to offer numerous benefits, helping to 
ensure that players are recruited, developed and supported in the 
most professional, progressive but cost effective way possible. 

Investment continues in the infrastructure, providing first class 
people, resources, systems and facilities and thereby offering the 
greatest opportunity for ongoing football success.

Internationally, the growth has been unprecedented. The club  
boasts 63 international partners in 21 different countries. All of  
these partnerships aim to assist our partners in maximising their 
football potential through player and coach education and develop 
new Celtic FC fans of the future.

The season 2015/16 culminated in the first ever residential Elite 
Player programme at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida with 
170 of the US partner clubs’ most talented youth footballers spending 
a weekend with the Celtic coaching staff. 

The year ahead will see the club take further strides internationally, 
forging new partnerships and introducing more clubs to the Celtic 
family. In addition to the continued expansion, the Celtic Soccer 
Academy will be focussed on adding even more value into existing 
relationships making Celtic FC the number one club globally to  
partner with.

MATCH TICKET SALES
Season 2015/16 saw standard season ticket sales of 39,000.

YOUTH ACADEMY
Our main aim is to develop players, not only for the first team, but 
capable of playing in the Champions League. Celtic’s Academy 
has Platinum status, awarded by the Scottish Football Association, 
recognising that we have met the highest criteria set out by our 
governing body.

The Club continued to reward Season Ticket holders last season 
with a £50 reward to adult Season Ticket holders for their continued 
support. The Club will continue to offer the popular concession season 
ticket prices of £50 for kids (Under 13), £105 for 13-16 year olds 
and £186 for 17-18 year olds for Season 2016/17. The Club has also 
maintained the student price of £199.

Our main success this year has been the emergence of  
Kieran Tierney, who has become a regular in the first team.  
Aidan Nesbitt, Joe Thompson and Anthony Ralston made their 
competitive debuts in season 2015/16, with Jack Aitchison  
becoming the youngest ever first team debutant and the youngest  
to score in his first game for the Club. 

Whilst working hard at developing our young players, we have also had 
success on the field, with both our Development Squad and Under 
17’s winning their respective Leagues. As a result of our 17s winning 
their domestic League, this ensures our 19s will again play in the 
European Youth League next season. The 17s also beat Rangers 4-0 
at Ibrox to win the Glasgow Cup for the third consecutive season.

Our partnership with St. Ninian’s High School in Kirkintilloch continues 
to flourish and we would like to thank Head Teacher, Paul McLaughlin, 
and his staff for all their support and hard work on making this 
partnership a success. 

Finally, the funds raised from Celtic Pools lotteries ensure that 
the Celtic Academy goes from strength to strength with a view 
to identifying and developing the next Kieran Tierney. The Celtic 
Development Pools Limited continues to be the top football club 
lottery organisation in Britain and one of the most successful in the 
society/charity lotteries sector.

CELTIC SOCCER ACADEMY
The Celtic Soccer Academy has continued to grow both domestically 
and internationally, taking the Club’s coaching expertise to all corners 
of the globe and helping expand the Celtic FC brand internationally.

Locally, the club has expanded the number of weekly and holiday 
period coaching sessions available to the public as well as a  
Matchday Experience where players can be coached prior to  
attending a home game.

Following Brendan Rodgers’s appointment, season ticket sales for 
2016/17 are very encouraging, having climbed past the 46,000 
mark. This represents a significant uplift from prior year, is a strong 
endorsement by the fans of the Board’s decision to appoint Brendan 
Rogers and has exceeded expectations.

STADIUM OPERATIONS
Spectator safety is of paramount importance and the Club continues 
to invest in this crucial area while striving to enhance the match day 
experience for our supporters.

After many years of hard work, we were delighted that Celtic Park 
was to become the first football stadium in the United Kingdom to 
accommodate a ‘safer standing’ section. Installation of the rail seating, 
which accommodates 3,000 spectators, has now been completed and 
was successfully in use for the first time in a friendly fixture for Celtic’s 
match against Wolfsburg on 16th July. The initiative is a significant 
investment intended to enhance spectator safety while improving the 
fan experience.

The Club unveiled a new statue in tribute to Celtic Legend, Billy 
McNeill, at the home fixture on 19 December 2015. Billy’s statue is 
situated at the beginning of the Celtic Way and welcomes all visitors 
to the stadium.

The changing face of Celtic Park continued in the last year with the 
breath-taking new facade to the East and West of the stadium now 
displaying 58 of the most iconic names in the Club’s history under 
the heading ‘Paradise’. The design also picked up a Silver Award for 
design at the 2016 Marketing Society Awards.

5

6

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHEROUR PEOPLE
Celtic remains the only professional football club in Scotland to 
hold the prestigious Investors in People award, and our Celtic Pride 
employee engagement and culture change initiative continues to be 
a priority. This initiative continues to drive improvements in the areas 
of employee recognition, reward and development, all underpinning 
the four key values of Inclusion, Integrity, Inspiration and Innovation.

Earlier this year the Club made a commitment to again review 
the minimum hourly rate of permanent staff. This commitment 
was delivered and a minimum rate of at least £8.25/hour was 
implemented with effect from 1 July 2016, reflecting the prevailing 
voluntary Living Wage rate. 

Finally, safeguarding continues to be high on the Club’s agenda and 
as the first club in Scotland to appoint a dedicated Safeguarding 
Manager, back in March 2013, we continue to lead the way in the 
implementation and improvement of safeguarding processes, training 
and communications. These continue to provide a safe environment 
for all children and vulnerable adults working for and engaging with 
the Club – employees and fans alike. The Club also places great 
importance on Health and Safety within the work place. Throughout 
the year we have ensured that staff training receives top priority in 
this vital area.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group and that the 
Board considers are associated with running a professional football 
club such as Celtic are set out below.

In addition to the uncertainties inherent in football, there are many 
risks associated with running any company. These risks are included 
within a risk matrix, which is regularly reviewed internally and with the 
Audit Committee on behalf of the Board, and updated as necessary. 

The risk matrix evaluation identifies types of risk, the likelihood of 
the identified risk occurring, the potential impact it may have on the 
Group if it did occur, and the steps that have been or should be taken 
to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and mitigate the impact if it 
did occur. The individuals responsible for managing these risks are 
identified and the steps required to be taken are subject to internal 
audit verification. 

Although the Group’s operations are managed so as to reduce  
the likelihood of these events occurring and to mitigate their 
potential impact if they did occur, it is not possible to eliminate  
these risks entirely.

(ii) MERCHANDISING

The Club embarked on a successful first year of its relationship with 
New Balance during season 2015/16, with Celtic’s famous Hoops 
being available to fans via New Balance’s extensive global network 
of retail outlets.

This year saw the closure of the Stirling store as its lease came to an 
end and, in line with the strategy to focus on a growth in online sales 
through our Home Shopping platform, the lease was not renewed.

Celtic also launched the eBay store and further investment was 
made in key E Commerce personnel to focus growth in this 
important area of the business.

(iii) MULTIMEDIA & OTHER COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

PARTNER PROGRAMME
The Club announced a further strengthening of its existing 
partnership with Dafabet, who have now been named ‘Main 
Club Sponsor’. The new agreement represents the biggest shirt 
sponsorship deal in the Club’s history and the partnership further 
enhances the Club’s international growth aspirations with the launch 
of our Chinese language website.

The successful relationship with Magners continued during season 
2015/16 with the announcement of a three year extension of our 
partnership which will see Magners maintain a presence on the back 
of the first team shirt and become the ‘Official Training Kit Sponsor’. 

CELTIC TV
Further improvement has been made in the last 12 months to  
the Celtic TV platform, both in terms of presentation and 
infrastructure to ensure an increasingly reliable value for money 
service for subscribers.

Audience growth has also been achieved across an increasing 
number of social media channels with the addition of the Instagram 
and Snapchat platforms putting Celtic at the forefront of fan 
engagement and consolidating the club’s position as a top 10 UK 
club for Social Media engagement.

SUPPORTER RELATIONS
Over the course of the past 12 months, our Supporter Liaison Officer 
(“SLO”) has continued to meet and work with fans from across 
the support and has played a key role in the development of the 
Supporter Liaison Initiative. The SLO recently travelled to Stockholm 
to represent Scotland as part of a project run in conjunction with 
Supporters Direct Europe and UEFA in order to share best practice 
and promote the SLO role across Europe. 

The SLO has also spent time working with Supporters Direct 
Scotland and Scottish Government to highlight the benefits of fan 
engagement and the importance of the SLO role, as well as working 
with the Celtic Trust to develop a framework for fan interaction with 
the Club aimed at ensuring we continue to provide supporters with 
clear and accurate assessments of events at Celtic Park.

The SLO is available at Celtic Park for all fans on a daily basis  
and welcomes the opportunity to meet and discuss all Celtic  
related issues.

The Directors consider that the principal risks to the performance of 
the business continue to fall under the following headings:

(i)   Player transfer market and wages

 Due to the application of football regulations the opportunity to 
acquire or dispose of player registrations occurs, subject to limited 
exceptions, only during two registration windows of specified duration 
each year. The time pressures that arise in the run-up to the closure 
of the windows can have an impact on the outcome of negotiations. 
Players are readily mobile, particularly when out of contract or 
nearing the end of their contracts, and have transferable skills and 
so the range of possible clubs willing to engage the player can be 
extensive, particularly where he is very talented. Changes in football 
managerial appointments can also influence player demand, with 
certain players, or styles of play, favoured by some managers more 
than others. Injuries and suspensions also affect player value and  
the willingness of clubs to release players for sale. The availability  
of players can change at very short notice. In addition, there is a risk 
that a change in football regulations, or the application of national 
laws to those regulations, may impact on the player registrations held 
by the Group.

 Player wages are subject to market forces with wage levels in some 
countries, particularly in those leagues with lucrative broadcasting 
contracts, significantly exceeding those available in others. 

 Consequently, all transactions are affected by a series of variable 
factors, which result in the market being unpredictable.

(ii)   Season ticket revenues

 Significant revenue is derived from the sale of season tickets. 
External economic conditions can affect supporters’ disposable 
income. The quality of the team, the entertainment on offer, the 
level of success from preceding seasons, the opposition that the 
Club may face in the season, together with pricing all have an 
effect on purchasing decisions. Many of these factors are beyond 
the control of the Group.

(iii)   Matchday attendances 

 Substantial income is derived from matchday ticket sales and the 
provision of various products and services on match days, including 
programmes, merchandising, hospitality and catering. Donations 
from Celtic Development Pools Limited, particularly in relation to a 
proportion of match day lottery ticket sales, are also important.

 Poor football results, the nature and quality of opposition, and bad 
weather can lead to a drop in attendances. A perception that there 
are empty seats also affects the purchase of future season tickets 
in that supporters may elect to buy a match ticket when desired 
and run the risk of non-availability, rather than guarantee a seat by 
purchasing a season ticket.

(iv)   Revenues from broadcasting contracts and football competitions

 The Scottish Professional Football League sells domestic 
broadcasting rights centrally. The Group is entitled to a share 
of SPFL revenues determined by reference to league position. 
The value of broadcasting contracts can vary, although these are 
generally entered into for several years at a time and may be 
subject to conditions over which the Group has little, if any, control. 
Participation in other competitions, such as UEFA Champions 
League or UEFA Europa League, also leads to additional revenue 
being received. The extent of this revenue depends on the 
competition, the level of advancement in the relevant competition, 
whether there are any other Scottish participants, and the size of 
the Scottish domestic television market. The revenue available is 
dependent on participation and therefore determined on the basis 
of football results, which cannot be guaranteed.

(v)   Financial Risk

 At 30 June 2016, the Group has access to a debt facility of 
£18.7m provided by the Co-operative Bank plc. The composition 
and utilisation of the debt is outlined at Notes 24 and 29 to the 
Financial Statements. Given the current economic climate the 
availability and utilisation of such facilities is closely monitored. 

 The Group is exposed to financial risk through its financial  
assets and liabilities. The key financial risk is that the proceeds 
from financial assets are not sufficient to fund the obligations 
arising from liabilities as they fall due. The most important 
components of financial risk are interest rate risk, currency risk, 
credit risk, liquidity risk, cash flow risk and price risk. Due to the 
nature of the Group’s business the financial risks that the Directors 
consider particularly relevant to the Company are credit risk, 
interest risk and liquidity risk.

(v)   Brexit

 The outcome of the “Brexit” vote on 23rd June 2016 to leave 
the European Union has resulted in increased uncertainty in 
the financial markets and we have seen significant movements 
in foreign exchange rates since that date. We are actively 
monitoring this situation, and while acknowledging that there 
remains significant uncertainty in this area, the directors are taking 
appropriate steps to minimise any short term financial risks to the 
Group by utilising foreign exchange forward contracts. 

 The impact of Brexit may have a number of consequences for the 
Group including, but not limited to; uncertainty in relation to the 
status of EU and non-EU employees (including football players), 
the future costs of transferring EU and non-EU based player 
registrations and the value of certain commercial revenues and 
sponsorship incomes, which will require to be closely monitored on 
an ongoing basis. It is understood that, given the uncertainty as to 
how the “Brexit” vote may be implemented, it is too early to make 
any further analysis.

Further information is provided in Note 29 to the Financial Statements 
as to how the Group addresses these risks.

Each of the headings mentioned is influenced significantly by factors 
beyond the control of the Group. Substantial increases in transfer fees 
or player wages, or significant decline in ticket sales or attendances, or 
in revenues from broadcasting and football competitions could have a 
detrimental impact on financial performance.

7

8

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE FINANCIAL REVIEW
Celtic’s financial results for the year to 30 June 2016 reflect the 
difficult domestic environment in which we operate and re-confirms 
the importance of revenues from the sale of player registrations to the 
core business performance. Adjusting for this gain recognised in the 
year emphasises the significance and impact of not participating in the 
group stage of the UEFA Champions League (“UCL”).

Revenue

Operating Expenses

Exceptional Operating 
Expenses

Net Player Trading

Loss on Disposal of Property, 
Plant & Equipment

Net Financing charges

Profit/(loss) before tax

2016 
£m

52.0

(57.1)

(1.7)

7.7

(0.1)

(0.3)

0.5

2015 
£m

51.1

(53.3)

(0.7)

(0.5)

(0.1)

(0.4)

(3.9)

The Group’s reported profit of £0.5m, including the revenues 
generated from gains on the sale of player registrations, demonstrates 
the financially demanding football sector in which we operate and 
reiterates the need for maintaining tight cost control and player 
development leading to both future revenues from the sale of player 
registrations, and an ability to originate first team players from our 
Academy System.

Group revenue increased by £0.9m, 1.8%, to £52.0m with 28 home 
matches being played this season which is comparable to 29 games 
last year. The increase, in comparison to 2015, is largely the result of 
improved financial distributions from UEFA Europa League (“UEL”) 
participation (as this entered a new three year cycle) and higher 
ticket revenues and increased sponsorship income from commercial 
partners. These were offset by the reduction associated with hosting 
the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and the two Scotland 
home International matches in the year to 30 June 2015.

The retained profit for the year after exceptional operating expenses, 
amortisation of intangible assets, loss on disposal of property plant 
and equipment, gain on disposal of player registrations, interest and 
tax amounted to £0.5m in comparison to a loss of £3.9m in 2015.

REVENUE
A summary of revenue per business segment is set out in Note 3 to 
the Financial Statements.

Football & Stadium Operation

Merchandise

Multimedia & Other 
Commercial Activities

Group Revenue

2016 
£m

25.1

12.6

14.3

52.0

2015 
£m

28.0

11.7

11.4

51.1

Revenue from football and stadium operations decreased by £2.9m 
(10.4%) to £25.1m as a result of the reduction in additional football 
income generated in the year to 30 June 2015 by qualifying for the 
Europa League Round of 32; hosting the two Scotland International 
matches; and the absence of hosting the Commonwealth Games 
Opening Ceremony. This was offset by higher match ticket revenues 
(standard and premium match tickets) for both domestic and 
European competition.

Merchandising reported an increase in turnover of £0.9m, 7.7%, to 
£12.6m. The increased revenues are largely the result of improved 
sponsorship income resulting from the change in kit supplier. During 
the year, we launched 3 new kits, including the new 2016 home kit, 
which compared with two kit launches in the prior year and we saw an 
increase in revenues generated from our online platform, however in 
general, the retail market continues to be very challenging.

Multimedia and other commercial activities revenue saw an increase of 
£2.9m, 25.4% to £14.3m which was largely attributable to increased 
television rights income from the improved distribution for participating 
in the UEL in addition to increased commercial sponsorship income.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Labour

Other Operating Expenses

Operating Expenses

2016 
£m

(36.9)

(20.2)

(57.1)

2015 
£m

(33.3)

(20.0)

(53.3)

Total operating expenses (excluding exceptional operating expenses 
and asset transactions) have increased over the last year by £3.8m, 
7.1%, to £57.1m, predominately due to an increase in football labour 
and other operating expenses.

Total labour costs increased by £3.6m, 10.8%, to £36.9m, largely due 
to increased labour costs in football over the previous year. 

Wage inflation is an area of concern throughout the worldwide 
football industry, which will need to be carefully controlled. The Board 
recognises the need to maintain strict control over wage costs and 
this will continue to be closely monitored. On-going financial controls 
remain in place to ensure that labour costs are maintained at a 
manageable level, particularly in relation to revenues.

EXCEPTIONAL OPERATING EXPENSES
Exceptional operating expenses of £1.7m (2015: £0.7m) represent 
an impairment charge to intangible assets of £1.3m (2015: £0.4m) 
together with labour and other related costs of £0.7m (2015: £1.0m) 
offset by the reversal of a prior period impairment charge of £0.3m 
(2015: £0.6m).

NET PLAYER TRADING

Amortisation of player 
registrations

Gain on sale of player 
registrations

Operating Expenses

2016 
£m

(4.9)

12.6

7.7

2015 
£m

(7.3)

6.8

(0.5)

Total amortisation costs at £4.9m represent a decrease of  
£2.4m (32.9%) in comparison to the previous year. This is due  
to the additional amortisation costs incurred in the prior year as a 
result of the loan agreements for Wakasso, Tonev, Berget, Guidetti  
and Denayer.

NON CURRENT LIABILITIES
The decrease in non-current liabilities from 30 June 2015 of £1.3m  
to £13.3m is the result of a release of amounts related to onerous 
lease commitments and a decrease in deferred income due greater 
than 1 year.

The gain on sale of £12.6m (2015: £6.8m) reflects gains achieved in 
the sale of Virgil Van Dijk and Adam Matthews during the year.

LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment in the year of 
£0.1m (2015: £0.1m) relates to the disposal of various items of plant 
and equipment which are no longer in use.

FINANCE INCOME & COSTS
Total net finance costs for the year of £0.3m (2015: £0.4m) primarily 
reflects interest due on the Company’s borrowing facilities with the 
Co-operative Bank together with the reclassification of Preference 
Share dividends as interest in accordance with the requirements of 
IFRS. It also includes a notional interest charge as required under 
IFRS accounting, to reflect the notional finance income relating to 
long term player trading receivables. The reduction in net cost from 
2015 is the result of increased notional finance income in 2016.

TAXATION PROVISION
No provision for corporation tax is required in respect of the year 
ended 30 June 2016. The provisional tax computation provides  
tax losses carried forward of approximately £16.1m (2015: £16.4m) 
and an available capital allowance pool of approximately £10.3m 
(2015: £11.3m).

The value of the deferred taxation not reflected in the financial 
statements of the Group was £2.9m (2015: £3.3m).

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The additions to property, plant and equipment in the period of £1.6m 
(2015: £1.5m) are represented mainly by the significant work on 
stadium improvements including the highly acclaimed Rail Seating 
standing section as well as the completion of the statue in honour of 
Lisbon Lion captain, Billy McNeil, at the entrance to the Celtic Way.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The increase in the net book value of intangibles during the year to 
30 June 2016 of £1.4m to £9.8m reflects the investment in football 
personnel of £8.8m less the amortisation charge of £4.9m, the 
impairment charge of £1.3m, the reversal of a prior period impairment 
charge of £0.3m and the net book value of disposals of £1.4m. The 
investment in football personnel is largely represented by the costs 
associated with the permanent acquisitions of Simunovic, Bailley, Ajer, 
Ciftci, Janko, Sviatchenko, Cole and Kazim-Richards.

There were several departures in the 2015 summer transfer window 
including Van Dijk and Matthews.

INVENTORIES
The level of stockholding at 30 June 2016 of £1.9m compares to 
£2.1m reported last year. The decrease in stock holding is due to the 
timing of the New Balance kit deliveries.

RECEIVABLES
The increase in receivables from £14.7m in 2015 to £18.6m in the 
current year is primarily attributable to the instalments remaining 
due from the sale of Van Djik less the receipt of amounts due in the 
current year for Wanyama and Forster. As at June 2016, there was 
£12.8m outstanding in respect of player transfer fees in comparison 
to £10.7m in the prior year.

CURRENT LIABILITIES
The increase in current liabilities of £4.4m in the year to £32.3m 
largely reflects the additional amounts received in relation to deferred 
income offset by a reduction in amounts due to suppliers resulting 
from the timing of invoice payments and project activities.

Income deferred less than one year at £19.9m compares to the 
£12.7m reported last year and reflects the cash received prior to  
30 June 2016 in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2016.

NET ASSETS AND FUNDING
Celtic has been consistent with prior years’ reports under IFRS, which 
requires elements of the Preference Shares to be classified as debt 
and non-equity dividends to be classified as interest. 

Net cash is £3.6m (2015: £4.7m) and includes all bank borrowings 
offset by cash at bank and in hand. The movement from 30 June 
2015 is principally as a result of the cash generated from trading 
and the disposal of player registrations, some of which are subject 
to deferred consideration arrangements. These inflows are offset 
by capital expenditure in respect of tangible asset additions and 
instalments paid in respect of player acquisitions, including instalments 
due in respect of prior period purchases, together with dividend and 
interest payments.

Gains from the sale of players in the summer transfer window will 
assist with future funding requirements. An element of the funds from 
the transfer of these players post year-end will be received over the 
period to July 2017.

The Group has internal procedures in place to ensure efficient cash 
flow and treasury management in order to maximise return and 
minimise risks where appropriate. Details of the Group’s financial 
instruments and debt profile are included in Notes 20, 21, 24 and 29 
to the Financial Statements.

BANK FACILITIES
The banking facilities of the Group and Company for the year end  
30 June 2016 are described in notes 24 and 29.

The lending agreement with the Co-operative Bank has a combined 
borrowing facility of £18.7m, which consists of a £5.0m revolving 
credit facility and £13.7m in long term loans. 

The revolving credit facility bears interest at base rate plus 1.00% and 
will be repaid or reviewed in May 2017. 

The long term loans will bear interest at London Inter-Bank Offered 
Rate plus 1.125%. The loans are floating rate loans and therefore 
expose the Group to cash flow risk. The loans are repayable in equal 
quarterly instalments of £0.1m from the commencement date until full 
repayment of £12.4m in July 2019. The Group has the option to repay 
the loans earlier than these dates without penalty. 

The borrowing facility is secured over Celtic Park, land adjoining the 
stadium and at Westhorn and Lennoxtown.

9

10

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERCURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK
Progress in the major football competitions, particularly in Europe, 
continues to be a key influence in trading performance. Season 
2015/16 overall was a successful year for Celtic despite missing out 
on the Champions’ League group stages. We retained the Scottish 
Premiership title and competed in the UEL group stages. Despite the 
football success achieved, our domestic trading environment remains 
challenging and the reported profit for the year to 30 June 2016 
of £0.5m includes a significant gain on sale of player registrations. 
Despite these difficult trading conditions, cash flow management has 
delivered a year-end net cash at bank of £3.6m, although decreased 
from the £4.7m reported last year, this provides a platform for further 
progress and investment.

We continue to operate in a challenging football environment in 
Scotland however, season ticket revenues and match ticket sales to 
date have been encouraging, although as ever future football results 
will influence the extent to which this can be sustained. Merchandise 
sales year to date, are ahead of the prior year with a greater emphasis 
on home shopping which is now managed internally. Additional 
revenue streams continue to be sought particularly in respect of new 
media, commercial markets and international opportunities where we 
look to maximise revenues and develop the Celtic brand. The above, 
together with on-going management of costs should enable us to 
maintain a sustainable business model. 

Player trading continues to be a key part of our business model as 
demonstrated by the significant funds being generated from the 
transfers of van Dijk and Matthews, which provided the platform for 
improved financial performance in the year to 30 June 2016.

Management of the player pool has been an increasingly important 
element of our business for a number of years. Our strategy to 
invest in the Lennoxtown football academy, together with the related 
support services, was designed to identify, recruit and develop players 
capable of playing in the Champions League. This strategy has been 
successful to date. 

During the summer 2016 transfer window a number of new players 
were acquired and Stefan Johansen was sold for a sum well in excess 
of book value. We also qualified for the UCL group stage competition 
and have been drawn in a fantastic group with matches against 
Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

We continue to drive revenues and develop the Celtic brand at home 
and abroad which, together with the on-going management of costs 
and effective financial controls, should maintain a sustainable financial 
model. The discipline of good financial management will continue and 
we will operate from a position of comparative financial and football 
strength with exciting young players continuing to make a mark in the 
team and assisting with the generation of value within the squad itself. 

The key Group objective clearly remains football success particularly 
in Europe as this will greatly assist revenue generation. However 
the funding of that success must recognise the financial constraints 
applicable to the organisation particularly as Celtic continues to play in 
the Scottish football environment and the challenges that presents. 

The biggest on-going challenge facing the Board is the management 
of salary and transfer costs whilst achieving playing success with its 
consequent impact on financial results. 

The development of a greater number of internally generated players 
through continued investment in youth development will assist in 
addressing such issues. As a result prudent management of the  
player pool is important in addition to incremental contribution from 
European success.

We look forward with optimism to the season ahead.

APPROVED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Peter Lawwell, Chief Executive   
Christopher McKay, Financial Director  
19 September 2016

11

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERDIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their report for the year ended 30 June 2016.

DIVIDENDS
Dividends were paid in cash on 31 August 2016 to those Preference 
Shareholders not participating in the scrip dividend reinvestment scheme. 
The record date for the purpose of the Preference Share dividend was 
29 July 2016.

Mandates representing 1,308,243 Preference Shares are in place for 
the scrip dividend reinvestment scheme. Approximately £47,597 (2015: 
£37,693) of dividends for the financial year to 30 June 2016 will be 
reinvested. 64,734 new Ordinary Shares were issued under the scheme 
at the beginning of September 2016.

The scrip scheme was extended at the AGM in November 2014 until  
21 November 2019. 

The Directors do not recommend the payment of an Ordinary  
Share dividend. 

The profit of £0.5m has been taken to reserves.

BUSINESS REVIEW AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Strategic Report sets out the Business Review (page 5) and  
Future Developments (page 11). As the Company and its principal 
subsidiary are managed and controlled as a single entity, the business 
review and future developments reflect the performance of the Group. 
A separate review of the Company would not be meaningful and is 
therefore not presented. 

EVENTS SINCE THE YEAR END
Since 30 June 2016, Celtic has acquired the permanent registrations 
of Christian Gamboa, Moussa Dembele, Dorus de Vries, Kolo Toure, and 
Scott Sinclair. The registrations of Darnell Fisher, Stefan Johansen and 
Stefan Šćepović were disposed of on a permanent basis, with those of 
Scott Allan and Saidy Janko placed on loan.

SHARE CAPITAL
Details of and changes to the Company’s authorised and issued share 
capital are set out in Note 22 to the Financial Statements.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Details and changes to the financial instruments used by the Group are 
included in Note 29 to the Financial Statements.

DIRECTORS AND THEIR INTERESTS IN THE COMPANY’S 
SHARE CAPITAL
The Directors serving throughout the year and at 30 June 2016 and 
their interests, including those of connected persons, in the share 
capital of the Company were as follows:

30 June 2016

1 July 2015

No. of 
Convertible 
Preferred 
Ordinary 
Shares of 
£1 each

No. of
Convertible
Cumulative
Preference
Shares
of 60p each

No. of 
Convertible 
Preferred 
Ordinary 
Shares of 
£1 each

No. of
Ordinary
Shares
of 1p each

No. of
Ordinary
Shares
of 1p each

84,875

3,357,505

-

30,000

-

-

84,875

3,357,505

-

30,000

No. of
Convertible
Cumulative
Preference
Shares
of 60p each

-

-

8,000,000

32,772,073

5,131,300

8,000,000

32,772,073

5,131,300

-

356,000

1,600

-

8,000

-

505

-

78,520

3,000

-

500

-

5,000

500

-

356,000

1,600

-

8,000

-

505

-

78,305

3,000

-

500

-

5,000

500

Name

T Allison

I Bankier

D Desmond

P Lawwell

I Livingston

C McKay

E Riley

B Wilson

No changes in Directors’ shareholdings between 30 June 2016 and 14 September 2016 have been reported to the Company.

Details of agreements which may give rise to payments to executive 
directors are set out in the Remuneration Report. Brief biographical 
details of the Directors serving as at 30 June 2016 are as follows:

Thomas E. Allison (68) has been a non-executive Director  
since September 2001. He is Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee and a member of the Nomination Committee. Mr Allison  
is the nominated Senior Independent Director. He is Chairman of  
Peel Ports Limited and a director of a number of other companies 
within the Peel Group. He is Chairman of Tulloch Homes Group 
Limited and an ambassador for The Prince and Princess of Wales 
Hospice in Glasgow.

Ian P. Bankier (64) was appointed to the Board as an independent 
non-executive director on 3 June 2011 and became Chairman on  
14 October 2011. Mr Bankier is Executive Chairman of Glenkeir 
Whiskies Limited, a company he substantially owns. Glenkeir operates 
The Whisky Shop chain, which is the UK’s largest specialist retailer  
of whiskies. He has been involved in the Scotch whisky industry 
for over 20 years having been Managing Director of Burn Stewart 
Distillers PLC and Chief Executive of CL World Brands Limited. Mr 
Bankier’s formative career was as a solicitor and he was a partner  
in McGrigors for 15 years, where he specialised in corporate law.  
Mr Bankier is a member of the Remuneration Committee and chairs 
the Nomination Committee.

Christopher McKay (41) was appointed Financial Director and joined 
the Board with effect from 1 January 2016. Mr McKay spent 18 
years in professional services, most recently in a senior position with 
global consultancy firm Deloitte, which he left to join the Company. 
He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in 2000 and 
spent the last 15 years within the Financial Advisory area. He has 
extensive advisory experience in many industries across the UK and 
International Markets.

Eric J. Riley (59) joined the Company as Financial Director in August 
1994. After over 20 years of distinguished service to the Company, 
Mr Riley retired as Financial Director on 31 December 2015 and from 
the Board on 30 June 2016. During the year Mr Riley served as a 
member of the Board of the Scottish Professional Football League 
Limited and was a member of the Finance Committee of the European 
Club Association. Eric remains a non executive director of The Celtic 
Football and Athletic Club Limited.

Brian Wilson (67) was appointed as a non-executive Director in June 
2005. Formerly a Member of Parliament, Mr Wilson also held several 
ministerial posts during his political career. He is an experienced 
journalist and writer and a director of several private companies 
including Harris Tweed Hebrides Limited and Havana Energy Limited. 
In 2011, he was named UK Global Director of the Year by the Institute 
of Directors and is a Trade Ambassador for the UK Government.

Dermot F. Desmond (66) has been a non-executive Director of 
the Company since May 1995. He is the Chairman and founder 
of International Investment and Underwriting (IIU), a private equity 
company based in Dublin. He has investments in a variety of start-
up and established businesses worldwide, in the areas of financial 
services, technology, education, information systems, leisure, aviation, 
health and sport (including Celtic FC). He also promoted the 
establishment of a financial services centre in Dublin in 1986. Today 
more than 500 companies trade from the IFSC.

Policy on appointment of non-executive Directors
The Nomination Committee reviews potential appointments to the 
Board and makes recommendations for consideration by the Board. 
Re-appointment of directors is not automatic. When a position 
becomes or is likely to become available, the Board, through the 
Nomination Committee, seeks high quality candidates who have the 
experience, skills and knowledge which will further the interests of 
the Company and its shareholders. The terms of reference of the 
Nomination Committee are published on the Company’s website.

Peter T. Lawwell (57), Chief Executive, joined the Company in 
October 2003 from his position as commercial director with Clydeport 
plc. Previously he held senior positions with ICI, Hoffman-La-Roche 
and Scottish Coal. During the year Mr Lawwell served as a member of 
the Professional Game Board of the Scottish Football Association, the 
Board of the Scottish Football Association, the Board of the European 
Club Association and the Club Competition Committee of UEFA.

Retirement, Election, and Re-election of Directors
Eric Riley retired as a director with effect from 30 June 2016. He will 
not be standing for re-election. 

Chris McKay joined the Board as Financial Director on 1 January 2016 
and will retire immediately prior to the Annual General Meeting and 
stand for election at that meeting. 

Lord Livingston of Parkhead (52) was appointed to the Board as 
an independent non-executive director in October 2007 and chairs 
the Audit Committee. Lord Livingston was Minister of State for Trade 
and Investment until May 2015. He was Chief Executive of BT Group 
plc until September 2013, having also served as chief executive of 
BT Retail and as Group Finance Director. Lord Livingston has also 
previously been Group Finance Director of Dixons Group. He is a 
Chartered Accountant and Chairman of Man Group plc, Deputy 
Chairman of Dixons Carphone plc, a member of the House of Lords, 
Director of Belmond Limited and Trustee of Jewish Care.

In accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company,  
Peter Lawwell retires by rotation and, being eligible, offers himself  
for re-election. 

Tom Allison, Dermot Desmond, Ian Livingston and Brian Wilson have 
each served more than 9 years as non-executive directors. The 
Company continues to be committed to high standards of corporate 
governance and in particular is committed to the ongoing assessment 
of the independence of the non-executive directors of the Company. 
Accordingly, given their length of service as directors, Tom Allison, 
Dermot Desmond, Ian Livingston and Brian Wilson each retires and 
offers himself for re-election.

13

14

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERSenior executives meet regularly with employee representatives  
under the auspices of a Health and Safety Steering Group and  
with an independent external expert. The Steering Group is charged 
with day-to-day monitoring of health and safety and working practices 
and the creation and implementation of risk assessments throughout 
the business. Training is provided throughout the year on health and 
safety issues. 

Accident statistics are collated and reported at management, 
executive and Board meetings.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED TO THE AUDITOR
So far as each of the Directors is aware at the time the annual report 
is approved:

1. 

2. 

 there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s 
auditor is unaware; and

 each Director has taken all steps that he ought to have taken 
to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to 
establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

AUDITOR
At the Annual General Meeting on 20 November 2015, BDO LLP was 
re-appointed as auditor to the Company. 

GOING CONCERN
The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to 
affect its future development, performance and position are set out in 
the Strategic Report.

The financial position of the Company, its cash flows, liquidity position 
and borrowing facilities are described in the Strategic Report. In 
addition, Note 29 to the Financial Statements includes the Company’s 
objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial 
risk management objectives; details of its financial instruments; and its 
exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk.

The Company has considerable financial resources available to it, 
together with established contracts with a number of customers and 
suppliers. As a consequence, the Directors believe that the Company 
is well placed to manage its business risks successfully despite the 
continuing uncertain economic outlook.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has 
adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the 
foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

Michael Nicholson, Secretary
19 September 2016

The Board has reviewed the performance of each of these individuals 
and is satisfied that they continue to meet the high standards 
expected of Directors of the Company. 

A statement as to the Board’s view of the independence of  
Tom Allison, Dermot Desmond, Brian Wilson and Ian Livingston is set 
out at page 17 of this Report.

The Directors recommend that Chris McKay be elected, and  
Tom Allison, Dermot Desmond, Peter Lawwell, Ian Livingston and  
Brian Wilson be re-elected, as Directors of the Company.

During the year the Company maintained liability insurance for its 
Directors and officers.

SUBSTANTIAL INTERESTS
In addition to the Directors’ interests set out above, the Company has 
been notified or is aware of the following interests of over 3% in its 
issued Ordinary Share capital as at 14 September 2016:

Registered Holder

The Bank of New York 
(Nominees) Limited

Christopher D Trainer

James Mark Keane

Ordinary 
Shares
of 1p each

17,065,814

9,796,784

5,909,847

Percentage 
of Issued
Ordinary 
Share capital

18.27%

10.49%

6.33%

In addition to the Directors’ interests set out above, the Company  
has been notified or is aware of the following interests of over 3%  
in the issued Convertible Preferred Ordinary Share capital as at  
14 September 2016:

Convertible 
Preferred
Ordinary 
Shares
of £1 each

Percentage 
of Issued
Convertible 
Preferred 
Ordinary 
Shares

1,600,000

625,000

12.30%

4.81%

500,900

3.85%

Registered Holder

Telsar Holdings SA Depfyffer 
and Associes

Hanom 1 Limited

The Bank of New York 
(Nominees) Limited

DONATIONS
The Group made direct charitable donations of £41,134  
(2015: £23,103), which in both years was represented by the  
costs of hosting the Celtic FC Foundation (previously Celtic Charity 
Fund) annual dinner with an additional donation made in 2016 to  
“90 Minutes for Hope” from ticket incomes received from the UEL  
match versus Fenerbahce.

In recognition of Eric Riley’s contribution to both the club and the 
Celtic FC Foundation, the Company intends to donate £12,500 to  
the Celtic FC Foundation after the agreement of Eric Riley. In addition, 
the Group continued to contribute in-kind support to Celtic FC 
Foundation, including use of stadium, management and administrative 
assistance together with a variety of items including match tickets, 
signed merchandise and stadium tours, which were used for 
fundraising purposes.

GENERAL GROUP AND COMPANY POLICIES
Employee Communications 
Colleagues at all levels are kept informed regularly of matters that 
affect the progress of the Company and Group and may be of interest. 
Press and media announcements are circulated throughout the 
business. Members of senior management also meet formally with 
employee representatives nominated by relevant business units to 
consult on business development, safety and operational matters.

The Group operates a detailed annual appraisal system for all regular 
employees. This provides the opportunity for feedback and comment. 
An annual bonus scheme for eligible employees is operated in 
conjunction with the appraisal system. Details of this are set out in the 
Remuneration Report.

Employment Policies 
The Company and its subsidiaries are all equal opportunity employers 
and committed to positive policies in recruitment, training and career 
development for all colleagues (and potential colleagues) regardless 
of marital status, age, religion, colour, race, ethnic origin or disability. A 
registration is maintained with Disclosure Scotland. 

Full consideration is given to applications for employment by disabled 
persons where the requirements of the job can be adequately fulfilled 
by a disabled person. Where existing colleagues become disabled it is 
the Group’s policy, where practical, to provide continuing employment 
under similar terms and conditions and to provide training and career 
development. Jobcentre Plus has endorsed the Club’s the right to use 
the “Positive about Disabled People” logo. Investors In People status 
continues, following the Club’s re-accreditation in December 2013, 
with good practice in relation to pregnant employees also commended 
through the Tommy’s accreditation. In July 2016, the Club’s Youth 
Academy gained Investors in Young People accreditation.

Social Responsibility 
The Company is proud of its charitable origins and operates policies 
designed to encourage social inclusion.

Waste paper and materials are recycled where possible and efforts are 
being made to reduce paper use and natural resources consumption 
through the use of more efficient printers, improved system controls 
and monitoring.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
All companies within the Group operate strict health and safety 
regulations and policies. The requirements of the Green Guide on 
Safety at Sports Grounds (5th Edition) are adhered to, and the 
Company obtains its Safety Certificate each year from Glasgow City 
Council only after rigorous testing and review. Celtic seeks to achieve 
consistent compliance at all levels with the Health and Safety at Work 
etc Act 1974 and associated regulations.

15

16

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERCORPORATE GOVERNANCE

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company’s 3 main classes of share – Ordinary, Convertible 
Preferred Ordinary and Preference - continued to be listed throughout 
the year on the AIM market operated by the London Stock Exchange. 
AIM companies are not required to comply with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code 2014 (Principles of good governance and standards 
of good practice in relation to board leadership and effectiveness, 
remuneration, accountability and relations with shareholders) adopted by 
the London Stock Exchange (the “Code”). 

The Board, however, appreciates the value of good corporate 
governance. The Directors view corporate governance not just as a “box 
ticking” exercise against specific rules and regulations, but instead as 
a real and intrinsic part of the Company’s culture and operations. The 
Board continues to apply corporate governance principles in a sensible 
and pragmatic fashion having regard to the individual circumstances 
of the Company’s business, with the overarching objective to create, 
safeguard and enhance accountability, risk management, commercial 
success and shareholder value. The Directors continue to base their 
approach to corporate governance on fundamental principles set out in 
the Code and apply these in a manner appropriate for a company of the 
size and stature of Celtic, however the Company does not comply with 
the Code or report on a “comply or explain” basis.

Board of Directors
As at 30 June 2016, the Board of Directors consisted of a  
non-executive Chairman, four other non-executive Directors and  
two executive Directors. 

Tom Allison remains the Senior Independent Director.

All Directors stand for election at the first opportunity arising after 
appointment, and for re-election at least every three years after that. 
Directors who have held office for more than 9 years retire annually. 
This approach will be applied at the forthcoming AGM for Tom Allison, 
Dermot Desmond, Ian Livingston, Peter Lawwell and Brian Wilson, with 
Christopher McKay standing at the first opportunity. 

Key decisions, including financial policies, budgets, strategy and 
long term planning, major capital expenditure, material contracts, risk 
management and controls, health and safety and the appointment of 
the Company’s principal external advisers, directors, football manager 
and senior executives are all subject to Board approval. A list of matters 
reserved exclusively for decision by the Board is maintained and applied. 
Compliance is monitored by the Company Secretary.

The Company’s executive management are delegated with authority  
to enter into and implement contracts authorised by the Board or 
otherwise falling within specified authorisation levels, conduct the 
Company’s day-to-day operations and implement Board decisions and 
general strategy. Detailed written reports are provided at each Board 
meeting by the Chief Executive and the Financial Director and otherwise 
as needed or requested.

Formal Board meetings are held regularly throughout the year. 
Occasionally decisions require to be made at a time when a meeting 
is not due to be held. In such circumstances meetings can be held by 
telephone conference or proposals are circulated to the Board members 
for individual approval.

Independence
Given its on-going commitment to applying good corporate 
governance principles, the Board continues to assess the 
independence of each of the independent non-executive Directors  
on an annual basis.

Dermot Desmond has completed more than nine years’ service  
and has a substantial shareholding. However, the Board has 
considered whether the Director is independent in character and 
judgement and whether there are relationships or circumstances, 
which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, the Director’s 
judgement. Accordingly, the Board is satisfied that in his work  
for and support of the Company, Mr Desmond displays  
independence of mind and judgement and objectivity in the 
contribution he makes, notwithstanding the level of his shareholding 
and his length of service. 

Furthermore, Tom Allison has completed more than nine years’ 
service and has a substantial shareholding. Again, having considered 
his independence and his contribution to the Board and Company 
throughout the year, the Board is also satisfied that Mr Allison 
remains independent, notwithstanding these factors.

Brian Wilson has also completed more than nine years’ service 
as a Director. Again, having considered his independence and 
his contribution to the Board and Company throughout the year, 
the Board is also satisfied that Mr Wilson remains independent, 
notwithstanding his length of service.

Ian Livingston will complete nine years’ service as a Director in 
October 2016. Again, having considered his independence and his 
contribution to the Board and Company throughout the year, the 
Board is also satisfied that Lord Livingston remains independent, 
notwithstanding his length of service.

Eric Riley served as a non-executive director from 1 January 2016 
and retired from office on 30 June 2016. Eric will not be standing for 
re-election.

The Board has therefore determined that all of the continuing 
non-executive Directors were independent throughout the year and 
continue to be so. 

The independent non-executive Directors do not participate in 
Company share option schemes, pension plans or the bonus scheme. 
Save for individual shareholdings, none of the Directors has a 
financial interest in the Company.

Directors declare any conflicts of interest in advance of meetings and 
if such a conflict arises, the Director concerned does not participate 
in that element of the meeting or decisions relating to it.

Review of Director Performance
The Board has conducted an evaluation of its performance and that 
of its Committees, the Chairman and each of the non-executive 
Directors. This was done principally by way of individual discussions 
with the Chairman. The results have been considered by the Board, and 
comments noted. The performance of the Chairman was discussed by 
the Board without the Chairman being present.

The Audit Committee has a number of key roles, including:

1 

2 
3 

4 

 review of Group’s accounting policies, internal controls and  
financial reporting; 
 risk management and business continuity planning;
 monitoring the scope, quality and independence of the external  
and internal audit functions; and
appointment and fees of the external auditor. 

All non-executive Directors were considered to have met the high 
standards expected of a Director of the Company. Where any training 
or development need arises or is identified, the Company will fund 
attendance at relevant seminars and courses.

The performance of executive Directors is evaluated formally by  
the Remuneration Committee against specific objectives set in the 
financial year.

Attendance
Six formal Board meetings were held during the year. The Audit 
Committee and Remuneration Committee each met three times.  
The Nomination Committee met once.

All of the Directors serving during the year attended all Board and 
Committee meetings which they were eligible to attend, with the 
exception that Mr Desmond was represented by his alternate at all 
Board and Audit Committee meetings that he was eligible to attend  
and consequently did not attend those meetings personally. 

The Chairman speaks with Mr Desmond before Board meetings as well 
as regularly with all Directors and where they are unable to attend or be 
represented at a meeting, establishes and communicates their views on 
the business of the meeting, on their behalf.

The Board is supplied in a timely fashion with appropriate information. 

All Directors are entitled to seek professional advice, at the Company’s 
expense, to assist them in the performance of their duties. The Directors 
also have access to the advice and services of the Company Secretary.

Board Committees
The Board has three standing committees to which certain 
responsibilities are delegated, namely: Audit, Remuneration and 
Nomination. Each Committee has written terms of reference published 
on the Company’s website. 

Only independent non-executive Directors are entitled to sit on the Audit 
and Remuneration Committees with the exception that the Chairman 
sits on the Remuneration Committee. Executive Directors, the Company 
Secretary and other executives and advisers attend Committee meetings 
as required, but are not Committee members.

Audit Committee
Ian Livingston, Dermot Desmond and Brian Wilson served on the 
Committee during the year. Ian Livingston chairs the Committee. 

The external auditor, Company Secretary, Financial Director, internal 
auditor and other members of the accounting team attend routinely. 
Business is also conducted without executive Directors and the auditor 
being present, when appropriate.

The auditor is required to disclose any potential conflicts, contracts  
with the Company and non-audit work conducted. This was done prior  
to re-engagement and was discussed with the Audit Committee.  
For work carried out during the year, the fees are listed at note 6 of  
the financial statements. 

The Audit Committee, on behalf of the Board, was satisfied that audit 
objectivity and independence had been maintained during the year. Audit 
partner rotation occurs at least once in each 5-year period, with separate 
partner review.

Remuneration Committee
Tom Allison chairs this Committee, with Brian Wilson and Ian Bankier 
both serving during the year.

The Remuneration Committee determines the terms of engagement  
and remuneration of the Company’s executive Directors and  
Company Secretary on behalf of the Board. The objectives of the 
executive Directors are approved by the Committee and performance 
against these reported to the Board. The Committee also monitors the 
implementation of other executive and employee incentive and bonus 
schemes. The Remuneration Report is set out in detail on pages 21-22.

Nomination Committee
This Committee comprises Ian Bankier as Chairman, Dermot Desmond 
and Tom Allison. It meets as necessary, principally to consider and 
recommend new appointments to the Board and senior positions in the 
Company for succession purposes. The Committee met once during the 
financial year. 

INVESTOR COMMUNICATION
Matchday events and investor dinners are used as informal methods of 
communicating with major shareholders. A number of the Company’s 
major shareholders attend matches regularly and have the opportunity 
to meet the Board and any new Director. The Annual General Meeting in 
particular is used to encourage participation of shareholders. At each of 
these events shareholders are invited to ask questions and to meet with 
the Directors informally. 

Regular consultation meetings also take place with supporters’ 
associations, supporter clubs, shareholder groups and customer groups 
on general issues, as well as on specific proposals. The Company’s 
website is used to provide information on an ongoing basis and the 
Group Financial Statements and other information are published there 
shortly after release.

17

18

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERREPORTING AND INTERNAL CONTROLS

The key features of the control environment are as follows:

The Board’s Review of Internal Control
The Board is responsible for the Company’s system of internal control 
and for reviewing its effectiveness. Risk management, compliance  
and internal audit programmes are approved, monitored and reviewed  
by the Audit Committee throughout the year on behalf of the Board.  
The results of these programmes are reported to the Audit Committee in 
detail at its meetings and then communicated to the Board at the  
next Board meeting. 

The Board is satisfied that there is an ongoing and effective process  
for identifying, assessing and managing all significant risks facing  
the Group.

Internal Financial Control
The Board has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that a fair, balanced 
and understandable assessment of the Group’s financial position and 
prospects is presented so that shareholders can assess the Group’s 
performance, business model and strategy. The Annual Report and 
Financial Statements are an essential part of this presentation. The 
Directors are committed to achieving high levels of financial disclosure 
within the confines of preserving the Group’s competitive position, 
maintaining commercial confidentiality and managing accompanying 
administrative burdens in a cost-effective manner.

The internal financial control procedures are designed to give  
reasonable but not absolute assurance that the assets of the Company 
and the Group are safeguarded against material misstatement or  
loss and that proper accounting records are maintained. The Group 
employs an internal auditor who attends and reports at each Audit 
Committee meeting.

-  

- 

-  

-  

 The work undertaken within the Internal Audit function is consistent 
with previous years and covers the key risk and systems of control 
within the business. 

 In addition to an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of the 
Company’s system of internal financial controls, a framework is in 
place to plan, monitor and control the Group’s activities including an 
annual budget and a rolling 5-year planning process.

 An annual review process is in place to consider the financial 
implications of significant business risks upon the business. 
Regular meetings of the Business Continuity Team take place 
throughout the year.

 A comprehensive internal forecasting process is in place and 
updated on a regular basis. Monthly management accounts  
are produced and significant variances from budget and  
forecast are investigated.

The effectiveness of the system of internal financial control takes 
account of any material developments that have taken place in the 
Group and in applicable rules and legislation as well as relevant 
guidance published from time to time to the extent the Board considers 
this as relevant to the Company. The review is currently performed on the 
basis of the criteria in the Corporate Governance Code.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

Michael Nicholson, Secretary
19 September 2016 

19

20

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERREMUNERATION REPORT

This Report has been approved and adopted by the Remuneration 
Committee and the Board.

The Remuneration Committee
The Committee has formal terms of reference, which are published on 
the Company’s website. The Committee members serving during the 
year are identified on page 18.

As part of its continuing commitment to provide meaningful information 
to shareholders, this report continues to contain data that the Board 
and Remuneration Committee have elected to disclose, even although 
the Company is not obliged by law or the AIM Rules to make all of that 
information available.

Remuneration Policy
The main objective of the Company’s remuneration policy remains to 
attract, retain and motivate experienced and capable individuals who will 
make a significant contribution to the long term success of the Group 
but, taking account of the marketplace, without paying more than is 
reasonable or necessary. Account is taken of remuneration packages 
within other comparable companies and sectors, particularly other large 
football clubs, the Group’s performance against budget in the year and 
against actual performance from year to year. Specific corporate and 
personal objectives are used for executive Directors and certain senior 
executives. A similar appraisal system is also applied to most regular 
employees throughout the Group.

The Committee obtains advice from the Company Secretary, from 
independent research reports and from the published accounts of a 
number of other companies. No external consultants were used during 
the financial year on remuneration matters. 

The service contracts of executive Directors can be terminated on no 
more than one year’s notice and do not provide for pre-determined 
compensation on termination, or for loss of office. Compensation due, 
if any, is determined by reference to the applicable notice period and 
reason for termination.

The Group operates an annual bonus scheme for some permanent 
employees in order to encourage out-performance, motivate, and 
retain staff. The scheme is reviewed each year by the Committee, and 
monitored to ensure fairness and consistency in application. Changes 
are made when considered appropriate, or to reflect changes in the 
Group’s performance or business plan.

Remuneration of Directors and Senior Executives
Payments made to Directors in the financial year are set out on page 22.

There are several main elements to the Company’s executive remuneration 
packages: basic salary and benefits, annual performance related bonus, 
pension, share options and other customary benefits such as holidays, a 
fully expensed car or equivalent non-pensionable car allowance, private 
medical insurance, pension contributions and critical illness cover.

Basic salary and benefits
The Committee reviews basic salaries for executive Directors and  
certain senior executives annually. The salaries of senior members of  
the football management team and senior players are considered  
directly by the Board.

Benefits for executive Directors include a fully expensed car or 
equivalent non-pensionable car allowance, private medical insurance, 
pension contributions and critical illness cover. These benefits may be, 
but are not automatically, extended to senior executives. Those receiving 
such benefits are assessed for income tax on them. 

The Company allows all regular employees a discount on Company 
merchandise and products.

Annual Performance Related Bonus Scheme
The Group operates a bonus scheme for executive Directors and some 
permanent employees. 

The scheme has the following key objectives:

1 

2 
3 
4 

5 

 Improving and sustaining the financial performance of the Group 
from year to year;
 Delivering and enhancing shareholder value;
 Enhancing the reputation and standing of Celtic;
 Delivering consistently high standards of service to Celtic and  
its customers; and
 Attracting, retaining and motivating talented individuals  
whose skills and services will enable Celtic to meet its  
strategic objectives.

Performance conditions cover corporate financial performance 
and personal objectives. Corporate financial performance includes 
performance against budget and against the previous year’s results. 
Maximum award levels depend upon seniority and contractual 
entitlements, ranging from 20% of basic salary to 60% of basic 
salary. The Committee reviews the bonus scheme structure and the 
corporate performance conditions each year. Bonus payments are not 
pensionable.

Football players, the football management team and football  
backroom staff are subject to separate bonus schemes that reward 
on-field success.

Pension
The Company operates a Group pension plan, with defined 
contributions, in which several senior executives and a number of 
other employees participate. Stakeholder arrangements are available 
to qualifying employees. The Company does not operate any defined 
benefit (final salary) schemes.

Service Agreements

Executive Directors

Chief Executive 
Mr Lawwell’s service contract commenced on 25 October 2003.  
It continues subject to twelve months’ notice by him to the Company  
or by the Company to him. For the financial year to 30 June 2016,  
Mr Lawwell continued to be entitled to a maximum payment under the 
Company’s bonus scheme of 60% of basic salary, if all performance 
conditions were satisfied. Mr Lawwell served on the Professional Game 
Board and the Board of Directors of the Scottish Football Association 
and the Board of the European Club Association during the year. No fee 
is payable for these posts.

The Remuneration Committee decided to make an additional bonus 
award to Mr. Lawwell, on an ex gratia basis, for the financial year having 
taken account of the scale of incremental value delivered for the benefit 
of the Company through fulfilment of the objectives set for him.

Financial Director
Mr Riley’s service contract commenced on 19 August 1994. Mr Riley 
resigned as Financial Director, with effect from 31 December 2015, 
but continued to serve as a non-executive director from 1 January to 
30 June 2016. Mr Riley is entitled to a maximum payment under the 
Company’s bonus scheme of 50% of basic salary, if all performance 
conditions are satisfied. Mr Riley served as a director of the Scottish 
Professional Football League Limited during the year. No fee is payable 
for this post. 

Mr McKay’s service contract commenced on 1 January 2016, when he 
joined the Board as Financial Director. It continues subject to six months’ 
notice by him to the Company or by the Company to him. Mr McKay is 
entitled to a maximum payment under the Company’s bonus scheme of 
50% of basic salary, if all performance conditions are satisfied. 

Termination by the Company of the contracts of these Directors 
on shorter notice than provided for in the contracts, other than for 
misconduct or material breach, would be likely to create a requirement 
for payment of compensation related to the unexpired element of the 
notice periods.

Non-executive Directors

Individual letters govern the appointments of the Chairman and the  
non-executive Directors. Typically, non-executive Directors are appointed 
for an initial period of three years and are expected to serve for at 
least two three-year terms but appointments may be extended beyond 
that at the discretion of the Board, and subject to re-appointment by 
shareholders in accordance with the Articles of Association. These 
appointments are terminable immediately on written notice, without 
requirement for payment of compensation.

Unexpired periods of service for non-executive Directors as at  
30 June 2016:

Ian Bankier  
Ian Livingston 

Second term   11 months remaining 
Third term  

3 months remaining

Tom Allison, Dermot Desmond, Ian Livingston and Brian Wilson each 
retire annually.

Remuneration of Directors
Directors’ remuneration and benefits for the year to 30 June 2016 are 
set out in the table below.

Remuneration of non-executive Directors is for service on the Board 
and its Committees and is reviewed by the Board as a whole each year 
against fees in comparable companies of a similar size and taking account 
of overall financial performance of the Company. In the year to 30 June 
2016, Eric Riley received a payment of £237,500 in respect of ill health.

Non-executive Directors’ fees have remained static since July 2007. 
The post of Chairman of the Audit Committee carries an additional fee 
of £5,000 per year, reflecting the significant additional responsibility 
and workload attached to that post. Eric Riley waived all rights to 
remuneration in respect of the 6 months to 30 June 2016 where he 
acted as a non-executive director of the Company.

The non-executive Directors have no personal financial interest other 
than as shareholders. They are not members of the Company’s pension 
scheme and do not participate in any bonus scheme, share option 
or other profit schemes. All Directors are entitled to one seat in the 
Presidential Box without charge for each home match, to assist them in 
performing their duties. 

The Chairman of the Committee will be available to answer  
questions concerning Directors’ remuneration at the Company’s  
Annual General Meeting.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD

Michael Nicholson, Secretary
19 September 2016

T Allison

I Bankier

D Desmond

P Lawwell

I Livingston

C McKay

E Riley

B Wilson

Salary 
/Fees 
£

Ill Health 
Payment 
£

Bonus 
£

Benefits  
in kind 
£

Pension 
Contributions 
£

25,000

50,000

25,000

575,429

30,000

67,500

-

-

-

-

-

-

82,213

237,500

25,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

406,751

17,380

-

25,313

34,164

-

-

5,400

5,983

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,125

11,774

-

2016 
Total 
£

25,000

50,000

25,000

999,560

30,000

108,338

371,634

25,000

2015 
Total 
£

25,000

50,000

25,000

999,264

4,193

-

227,709

25,000

880,142

237,500

466,228

28,763

21,899

1,634,532

1,356,166

21

22

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERDIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

Directors’ responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the strategic report, the 
directors’ report and the financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements 
for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to 
prepare the group and company financial statements in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union. Under company law the directors must not approve 
the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true 
and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and company and of 
the profit or loss of the group for that period. The directors are also 
required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the rules 
of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on the 
Alternative Investment Market.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

•  

• 

• 

• 

 select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 
consistently;

 make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 
and prudent;

 state whether they have been prepared in accordance with 
IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

 prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis  
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will  
continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of 
the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements 
comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for 
taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

Website publication
The directors are responsible for ensuring the annual report and 
the financial statements are made available on a website. Financial 
statements are published on the company’s website in accordance 
with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation 
in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the company’s 
website is the responsibility of the directors. The directors’ responsibility 
also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements 
contained therein.

24

FIVE YEAR RECORD

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CELTIC PLC

FINANCIAL

Revenue

(Loss)/profit from trading before asset transactions and 
exceptional items

Profit/(loss) after taxation

Non equity dividends incurred

Total equity

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

2012 

£000

£000

52,009

51,080

(5,134)

459

502

(2,188)

(3,947)

432

£000

64,736

4,851

11,170

526

£000

75,816

13,102

9,739

527

£000

51,341

(3,095)

(7,371)

544

50,470

49,951

53,831

42,557

 32,678

Shares in issue (excl deferred) no. ‘000

122,350

122,147

121,603

121,273

121,030

Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

Number of employees

0.49p

0.49p

465

(4.25)p

(4.25)p

462

8.91p

475

12.68p

10.73p

FOOTBALL

League position

League points

Scottish cup

League cup

European ties played

CELTIC PARK

Celtic Park investment to date (£’000)

Stadium seating capacity (no.)

Average home league attendance (no.)

Total season ticket sales (no.)

2016

2015

2014

1

86

1

92

SEMI 
FINAL

SEMI 
FINAL

SEMI 
FINAL WINNERS

1

99

5th
ROUND

3rd
ROUND

6

7

6

2016

70,315

60,447

42,201

39,309

2015

69,318

60,447

45,400

40,472

2014

68,147

60,411

45,757

43,072

7.56p

455

2013

1

79

(8.17)p

(8.17)p

451

2012

1

93

WINNERS

SEMI FINAL

SEMI 
FINAL

6

2013

63,476

60,355

46,754

41,716

FINALISTS

4

2012

62,692

60,355

49,019

44,975

We have audited the financial statements of Celtic plc for the year 
ended 30 June 2016 which comprise the consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income, the consolidated and company balance 
sheets, the group and company statements of changes in equity, the 
consolidated and company cash flow statements, and the related 
notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied 
in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and, 
as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
company’s members those matters we are required to state to them 
in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent 
permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone 
other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for 
our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, 
the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial 
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial 
statements in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require 
us to comply with the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC’s) Ethical 
Standards for Auditors.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the  
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, the information given in the strategic report and 
directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters  
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 
company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or

 the parent company financial statements are not in agreement 
with the accounting records and returns; or

 certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 
are not made; or

 we have not received all the information and explanations we 
require for our audit.

Alastair Rae (senior statutory auditor) 
For and on behalf of BDO LLP, statutory auditor 
Glasgow, United Kingdom 
19 September 2016

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and 
Wales (with registered number OC305127).

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
A description of the scope of an audit of financial  
statements is provided on the FRC’s website at 
www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state 
of the group’s and the parent company’s affairs as at 30 June 
2016 and of the group’s profit for the year then ended;

 the group financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

 the parent company financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European 
Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the 
Companies Act 2006; and

 the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 
the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

25

26

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER 
 
 
  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year Ended 30 June 2016

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Year Ended 30 June 2016

2016

2015

Operations 
excluding 
intangible 
asset 
trading
£000

Intangible 
asset 
trading
£000

Note

Operations 
excluding 
intangible 
asset trading
£000

Intangible 
asset 
trading
£000

Total
£000

Total
£000

CONTINUING OPERATIONS:

Revenue

3

52,009

Operating expenses  
(excluding exceptional operating expenses)

4, 5

(57,143)

Loss from trading before asset transactions  
and exceptional items

(5,134)

-

-

-

Exceptional operating (expenses)/credit

Amortisation of intangible assets

Profit on disposal of intangible assets

7, 16

16

(715)

(1,006)

(1,721)

-

-

(4,953)

(4,953)

12,644

12,644

52,009

51,080

(57,143)

(53,268)

(5,134)

(2,188)

(1,001)

-

-

-

-

-

51,080

(53,268)

(2,188)

261

(740)

(7,313)

(7,313)

6,773

-

6,773

(102)

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(106)

-

(106)

(102)

Operating (loss)/profit

Finance income

Finance expense

Profit/(loss) before tax

Income tax expense

Profit/(loss) and total comprehensive  
income/(loss) for the year

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders 
of the parent

Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable 
to equity holders of the parent

Basic earnings per Ordinary Share from continuing 
operations and for the year

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 
and for the year

5

11

11

12

14

14

(5,955)

6,685

730

350

(621)

459

-

459

459

459

0.49p

0.49p

(3,291)

(279)

(3,570)

185

(562)

(3,947)

-

(3,947)

(3,947)

(3,947)

(4.25p)

(4.25p)

29

2016

2015

Notes

£000

£000

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Trade Receivables

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity

Issued share capital

Share premium

Other reserve

Capital reserve

Accumulated losses

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities/bank loans

Debt element of Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares

Provisions

Deferred income

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current borrowings

Provisions

Deferred income

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

15

16

20

18

20

21, 29

22

23

23

23

23

24

22

26

27

25

25

25, 26

27

55,276

9,798

3,966

69,040

1,889

14,682

10,450

27,021

96,061

24,316

14,611

21,222

2,781

(12,460)

50,470

6,650

4,242

1,105

1,343

13,340

11,879

304

196

19,872

32,251

45,591

96,061

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 19th September and were signed on its behalf by

Peter T Lawwell,  Director 

Christopher McKay,  Director

55,452

8,356

2,291

66,099

2,098

12,449

11,770

26,317

92,416

24,294

14,573

21,222

2,781

(12,919)

49,951

6,850

4,262

907

2,600

14,619

14,579

308

251

12,708

27,846

42,465

92,416

30

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERCompany Balance Sheet
Year Ended 30 June 2016

Statements Of Changes In Equity
Year Ended 30 June 2016

2016

2015

Notes

£000

£000

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Investment in subsidiaries

Trade receivables

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity

Issued share capital

Share premium

Other reserve

Capital reserve

Accumulated profits

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities/bank loans

Debt element of Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current borrowings

Deferred Income

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

15

16

17

20

20

21, 29

22

23

23

23

24

22

25

25

27

55,276

9,798

-

3,966

69,040

9,574

9,684

19,258

88,298

24,316

14,611

21,222

2,781

2,371

65,301

6,650

4,242

10,892

11,077

304

724

12,105

22,997

88,298

55,452

8,356

-

2,291

66,099

10,214

11,395

21,609

87,708

24,294

14,573

21,222

2,781

2,282

65,152

6,850

4,262

11,112

11,136

308

-

11,444

22,556

87,708

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 19th September and were signed on its behalf by

Peter T Lawwell,  Director 

Christopher McKay,  Director

Group 

Share 
capital 
£000

Share 
premium 
£000

Other 
reserve 
£000

Capital 
reserve 
£000

Retained 
earnings 
£000

Total 
£000

Equity shareholders’ funds as at 1 July 2014

24,357

14,529

21,222

2,695

(8,972)

53,831

Share capital issued

Transfer to capital reserve

Reduction in debt element of convertible cumulative 
preference shares

Loss and total comprehensive loss for the year

1

(86)

22

-

44

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

86

-

-

-

-

-

45

-

22

(3,947)

(3,947)

Equity shareholders’ funds as at 30 June 2015

24,294

14,573

21,222

2,781

(12,919)

49,951

Share capital issued

Transfer to capital reserve

Reduction in debt element of convertible cumulative 
preference shares

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

1

-

21

-

38

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

459

39

-

21

459

Equity shareholders’ funds as at 30 June 2016

24,316

14,611

21,222

2,781

(12,460)

50,470

Company 

Share 
capital 
£000

Share 
premium 
£000

Other 
reserve 
£000

Capital 
reserve 
£000

Retained 
earnings 
£000

Total 
£000

Equity shareholders’ funds as at 1 July 2014

24,357

14,529

21,222

2,695

1,818

64,621

Share capital issued

Transfer to capital reserve

Reduction in debt element of convertible cumulative 
preference shares

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

1

(86)

22

-

44

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

86

-

-

-

-

-

464

45

-

22

464

Equity shareholders’ funds as at 30 June 2015

24,294

14,573

21,222

2,781

2,282

65,152

Share capital issued

Transfer to capital reserve

Reduction in debt element of convertible cumulative 
preference shares

Profit and total comprehensive income for the year

1

-

21

-

38

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Equity shareholders’ funds as at 30 June 2016

24,316

14,611

21,222

2,781

-

-

-

89

2,371

39

-

21

89

65,301

31

32

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERConsolidated Cash Flow Statement
Year Ended 30 June 2016

Company Cash Flow Statement
Year Ended 30 June 2016

Note

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

Note

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit/(loss) for the year

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets

Reversal of prior period impairment charge

Profit on disposal of intangible assets

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Net finance costs

Decrease/(increase) in inventories

Decrease in receivables

Increase in payables and deferred income

Cash generated from operations

Net interest paid

Net cash flow from operating activities - A

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Purchase of intangible assets

Proceeds from sale of intangible assets

Net cash used in investing activities - B

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of debt

Dividends paid

Net cash used in financing activities - C

Net increase/(decrease) in cash equivalents A+B+C

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July 2015

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2016

459

1,689

4,953

1,294

(288)

(3,947)

1,577

7,313

378

(639)

Cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the year

Depreciation

Amortisation of intangible assets

Impairment of intangible assets

Reversal of prior period impairment charge

(12,644)

(6,773)

Profit on disposal of intangible assets

106

271

102

377

(4,160)

(1,612)

209

212

4,695

956

(91)

865

(402)

540

1,553

79

(75)

4

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Finance costs

Increase in receivables

Increase/(decrease) in payables

Cash generated from operations

Interest paid

Net cash flow from operating activities – A

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

(1,455)

(2,656)

Purchase of intangible assets

(10,933)

(11,239)

Proceeds from sale of intangible assets

13,261

873

12,861

(1,034)

(200)

(458)

(658)

1,080

9,370

10,450

(3,169)

(481)

(3,650)

(4,680)

14,050

9,370

Net cash used in investing activities – B

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of debt

Dividends paid

Net cash used in financing activities - C

Net increase/(decrease) in cash equivalents A+B+C

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July 2015

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2016

15

16

16

16

11

21

23

15

16

16

16

11

21

89

1,689

4,953

1,294

(288)

464

1,577

7,313

378

(639)

(12,644)

(6,773)

106

271

(4,530)

(673)

5,768

565

(91)

474

102

377

2,799

(1,223)

(2,361)

(785)

(75)

(860)

(1,455)

(2,656)

(10,933)

(11,239)

13,261

873

12,861

(1,034)

(200)

(458)

(658)

689

8,995

9,684

(3,169)

(481)

(3,650)

(5,544)

14,539

8,995

33

34

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER 
 
Notes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

1 BASIS OF PREPARATION

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently 
applied to both years presented, for both the Celtic plc group (the “Group”) and the parent Company (the “Company”). 

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, and with those parts of the Companies Act 
2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified 
by financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

A separate income statement for the Company has not been presented as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. The profit for the 
Company is disclosed in Note 23.

Adoption of standards not yet effective

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards which have not been applied in these financial statements were in 
issue but not yet effective:

IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers

The standard listed above is effective for financial periods commencing on or after 1 January 2017 and therefore has not been adopted for these 
financial statements. The impact of IFRS 15 is pervasive over all revenue recognised by Celtic plc. The adoption of this standard is not expected to 
have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group.

IFRS 16 Leases

The standard listed above is effective for financial periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019 and therefore has not been adopted for these 
financial statements. IFRS 16 will impact on the recognition of leases in respect of retail shops where the term is greater than 12 months. The 
adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group.

(a) Basis of consolidation
The consolidation includes the Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings and is based on their audited Financial 
Statements for the year ended 30 June 2016. 

Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains and losses on transactions between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation.

(b) Depreciation
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and written off to residual value over its estimated useful life at the following annual rates:

Plant and vehicles 
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 
IT equipment and other short life assets 
Buildings (excluding Stadium) 
Football Stadium  

10% - 25% reducing balance
10% - 33% reducing balance
25% - 33% straight line
4% - 10% straight line
1.33% straight line

Residual values, remaining useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed annually and adjusted if appropriate. Gains or losses on disposal are 
reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is any indication 
that any of its assets have been impaired. If such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated and compared to its carrying value and 
where impairment is present, impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

Freehold land is not depreciated. Freehold land and buildings includes capitalised interest at cost of £0.43m (2015: £0.43m).

(c) Intangible assets
Costs directly attributable to the acquisition and retention of football personnel are capitalised and treated as intangible assets. Subsequent amounts 
are capitalised only when they become unavoidable due to the elimination of all contingent events relating to their payment and where the value of the 
asset is enhanced by the underlying event. All of these amounts are amortised to consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the contract 
period remaining from their capitalisation to nil residual values, or earlier if there is an option to terminate present within the contract. Where a new 
contract life is renegotiated, the unamortised costs, together with the new costs relating to the contract extension, are amortised over the term of the 
new contract. Where the contract life is on a rolling basis, the carrying value is reviewed at the balance sheet date and a revised amortisation period is 
determined by considering all relevant information.

(d) Impairment policy
The Group and Company tests impairment at each balance sheet date. In determining, whether an intangible asset is impaired account is taken  
of the following:

management’s intentions in terms of each specific player being part of the plans for the coming football season;
the evidence of this intention such as the level of a player’s participation in the previous football season;
the level of interest from other clubs in paying a transfer fee for the player;

(i) 
(ii) 
(iii) 
(iv)  market knowledge of transfer appetite, activity and budgets in the industry through discussion with agents and other clubs; 
(v) 
(vi) 
(vii) 
(viii) 
(ix) 

the financial state of the football industry;
the level of appetite from clubs for football personnel from Scotland;
levels of ‘cover’ for each playing position;
the football personnel’s own career plans and personal intentions for the future; and
contract terminations.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are 
recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. To the extent, a previous impairment loss has been charged, and the basis of 
assessment is changed, the impairment charge is reversed in the current period, between Football and Stadium Operations, Merchandising and 
Multimedia and Other Commercial Activities. 

35

36

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

(e) Revenue
Revenue, which is exclusive of value added tax, represents match receipts and other income associated with the continuing principal activity of  
running a professional football club. Revenue is analysed between Football and Stadium Operations, Merchandising and Multimedia and Other 
Commercial Activities.

Football and Stadium Operations revenue arises from all ticket sales, standard, premium and corporate, derived from matches played at Celtic Park. 
Other revenues arise from matchday and non-matchday catering and banqueting, visitor centre revenues, soccer school revenues, donations received 
from Celtic Development Pools Limited, UEFA participation fees and revenues derived from the hiring of Celtic Park for football and non-football 
events. All such revenues are recognised in line with the completion of the matches or events to which they relate, with the exception of donations, 
which are recognised on receipt.

Merchandising revenue includes the revenues from Celtic’s retail partners and outlets including home shopping, wholesale revenues and other royalty 
revenues derived from the exploitation of the Celtic brand.

Multimedia and Other Commercial Activities revenues are generated through the sale of television rights, sponsorship revenues and joint marketing 
and partnership initiatives. The following revenue forms part of Multimedia & Other Commercial Activities.

Revenue from the sale of television rights is recognised dependent upon the nature of the related competition or event as follows:

i)  Domestic league television rights are sold centrally by the Scottish Professional Football League (‘SPFL’) and distributed to the Scottish Premiership 
clubs on a percentage basis dependent upon the final league positions of the clubs. Revenue is recognised evenly over the period to which it relates, 
namely the course of the football season.

ii)  Domestic cup rights are sold centrally by either the Scottish Football Association (‘SFA’) or the SPFL (depending on the competition) who advise 

clubs of the value of each televised match. Revenue is recognised when a televised match is played.

iii)  European rights sales derived from participation in the UEFA Champions League or the UEFA Europa League are sold centrally by UEFA who 

advise clubs of the values to be paid for their participation in the tournament. Revenue is recognised when each relevant match is played.

iv)  Other television rights sales which are made by Celtic, such as home friendly matches, are recognised once the televised match has taken place.

Sponsorship revenues are recognised based on the nature of the sponsorship such that kit and shirt sponsorship income, which relates to a particular 
football season is recognised evenly throughout the financial year. Event specific sponsorship is recognised when the relevant event takes place.

Joint marketing and partnership initiative income is recognised evenly over the period of the partnership/marketing agreement/contract. These 
frequently consist of fixed licence fees or guaranteed minimum royalties. 

The critical judgements made in respect of revenue recognition are largely in respect of assessing the accuracy of estimated information provided by 
trading partners, the SFA, the SPFL and UEFA where match-related and other revenues are due at the end of the financial year but, by the date of 
approval of the financial statements, confirmation of the finalised value of such revenues has not yet been fully received by Celtic.

(f) Financial instruments
The Group and Company classify financial instruments, or their component parts, on initial recognition as a financial asset, a financial liability or an 
equity instrument in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. Financial instruments are initially recognised on the balance sheet 
at fair value when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call or on deposit with banks, other short-term highly 
liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from inception. For the purpose of the cashflow statement, deposits held on 
maturities of greater than 3 months are not classed as cash and cash equivalents under IAS7.

Interest bearing borrowings: Interest bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, interest bearing borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in the 
income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest rate basis.

Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares: The debt element of Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares is recognised as a financial liability. At the 
point of conversion, the relevant part of this financial liability is derecognised.

Trade receivables are stated at their amortised cost as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts. They are recognised on 
the trade date of the related transactions.

Trade payables are stated at their amortised cost. They are recognised on the trade date of the related transactions. 

(g) Leasing obligations
Leasing charges in respect of operating leases are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the lives of the lease 
agreements as incurred on a straight line basis. An onerous operating lease provision is recognised for projected losses of operating lease contracts 
where the forecast costs of fulfilling the operating lease contract throughout the period exceed the forecast income receivable. The onerous operating 
lease provision is calculated based on discounted cash flows to the end of the lease contract. A dilapidations provision is recognised where there is 
reasonable evidence to suggest that costs will be incurred in bringing leasehold properties to a satisfactory condition on completion of the lease.  
The dilapidations provision is calculated based on the discounted cash flows at the end of each applicable lease contract.

(h) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on a first-in first-out basis.

(i) Pension costs
The Group operates defined contribution schemes providing benefits for employees additional to those from the state. The pension cost  
charge includes contributions payable by the Group to the funds in respect of the year and also payments made to the personal pension plans of 
certain employees.

(j) Foreign exchange
Non-monetary items denominated in foreign currency are translated at the date of the transaction. Monetary foreign currency assets and liabilities 
at the year-end are translated at the year end exchange rate. Any resulting exchange gain or loss is dealt with in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income in the period in which they arise.

(k) Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the full provision method and is recognised in respect of all temporary differences that have originated but not reversed 
at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are recognised within the financial statements to the extent that it is considered probable that future 
taxable profits will be available against which assets can be utilised.

(l) Exceptional operating expenses
It is the Group’s policy to categorise the impairment of property, plant and equipment, the impairment of intangible assets and any subsequent 
reversal of a previous impairment of property, plant and equipment or intangible assets, onerous contract costs, compromise payments, non recurring 
expenditure as exceptional operating expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

(m) Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Judgements used and applied in the preparation of the financial statements are continually evaluated by management. The critical judgements applied 
within the financial statements are in respect of:

•  revenue recognition, as noted at 2(e) above; 
•  impairment of intangible assets, noted at 2(d) above; 
•  onerous lease provisions, noted at 2(g) above; and 
•   provisions for future contractual obligations relating to commercial contracts, by measuring expected contractual performance against best known 

information including assessing future income and expenditure against historical market data and best reliable future forecasts. 

37

38

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERNotes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

3 SEGMENTAL REPORTING

The Group is organised into three main operating divisions: Football and Stadium Operations, Merchandising and Multimedia and Other Commercial 
Activities. These divisions are the basis on which the Group reports its segment information. The Group operates in the UK and as a result does not 
have any geographical segments.

Year to 30 June 2016

External revenue

Football and 
Stadium 
Operations 
£000

Merchandising 
£000

Multimedia 
and Other 
Commercial 
Activities 
£000

Consolidated 
£000

25,149

12,577

14,283

52,009

Year to 30 June 2015

External revenue

Football and 
Stadium 
Operations 
£000

Merchandising 
£000

Multimedia 
and Other 
Commercial 
Activities 
£000

Consolidated 
£000

27,969

11,679

11,432

51,080

(Loss)/profit from segment before asset transactions and exceptional 
operating expenses

(22,024)

4,741

Exceptional operating expenses

Amortisation of intangible assets

Profit on disposal of intangible assets

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(1,625)

(4,953)

12,644

-

-

-

-

-

12,149

(96)

-

-

(106)

80,040

4,030

1,396

24,117

1,869

1,367

1,529

1,541

8,755

4,953

1,006

-

68

-

-

-

90

80

-

-

-

Operating profit

Net finance costs

Taxation

Profit for the year

Other information:

Segment assets

Unallocated corporate assets

Consolidated total assets

Segment liabilities

Unallocated corporate liabilities

Consolidated total liabilities

Capital expenditure

Depreciation

Intangible asset additions

Amortisation

Net impairment charge/(reversal)

39

(5,134)

(1,721)

(4,953)

12,644

(106)

730

(271)

-

459

85,466

10,595

96,061

27,353

18,238

45,591

1,619

1,689

8,755

4,953

1,006

(Loss)/profit from segment before asset transactions and exceptional 
operating expenses

(15,982)

4,684

Exceptional operating expenses

Amortisation of intangible assets

Profit on disposal of intangible assets

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(715)

(7,313)

6,773

-

-

-

-

-

9,110

(25)

-

-

(102)

Operating loss

Net finance costs

Taxation

Loss for the year

Other information:

Segment assets

Unallocated corporate assets

Consolidated total assets

Segment liabilities

Unallocated corporate liabilities

Consolidated total liabilities

Capital expenditure

Depreciation

Intangible asset additions

Amortisation

Net impairment charge/(reversal)

75,272

3,945

1,234

17,805

2,501

5,250

1,529

1,375

9,421

7,313

(261)

7

87

-

-

-

2

115

-

-

-

(2,188)

(740)

(7,313)

6,773

(102)

(3,570)

(377)

-

(3,947)

80,451

11,965

92,416

25,556

16,909

42,465

1,538

1,577

9,421

7,313

(261)

40

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERNotes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

4 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

6 AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

The Group’s operating expenses comprised:

Football and Stadium Operations (excluding exceptional items and asset transactions)

Merchandising

Multimedia and Other Commercial Activities

5 OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT

Operating (loss)/profit is stated after charging:

Staff costs

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of intangible assets

Reversal of prior period impairment charges

Amortisation of intangible assets

Operating lease expense

Foreign exchange loss/(gain)

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

47,173

43,951

7,836

2,134

6,995

2,322

57,143

53,268

Note

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

8

15

28

36,888

33,265

1,689

1,294

(288)

4,953

854

212

1,577

378

(639)

7,313

979

(38)

Cost of inventories recognised as expense

6,879

6,051

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates in respect of:

Audit of the Company’s financial statements

Audit of the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries

Audit related services

Taxation compliance services

Taxation advisory services

Other non-audit services

7 EXCEPTIONAL OPERATING EXPENSES

The exceptional operating expenses of £1.72m (2015: £0.74m) can be analysed as follows:

Exceptional operating expenses comprised

Impairment of intangible assets

Reversal of prior period impairment charges

Onerous employment contracts

Compromise payments on contract termination

8 STAFF PARTICULARS

Group

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Other pension costs

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

20

15

2

22

2

16

77

2016 
£000

1,294

(288)

-

715

1,721

2016 
£000

32,775

3,683

430

36,888

20

15

2

16

7

18

78

2015 
£000

378

(639)

650

351

740

2015 
£000

29,400

3,472

393

33,265

Included in the above wages and salaries is £482,000 (2015: £756,000) paid to agency staff.

Employee numbers  
Group

Players and football administration staff

Administration and retail staff

Average number of full time equivalents employed in the year:

2016 
Number

2015 
Number

166

299

465

155

307

462

41

42

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERNotes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

9 DIRECTORS’ EMOLUMENTS

11 FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE

Salary/Fees
£

Ill Health 
Payment 
£

Bonus
£

Benefits 
 in kind
£

Total Excl  
pension costs
£

Pension 
Contributions
£

25,000

50,000

25,000

575,429

30,000

67,500

82,213

25,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

25,000

50,000

25,000

406,751

17,380

999,560

-

25,313

-

5,400

5,983

237,500

34,164

30,000

98,213

2016 
Total
£

25,000

50,000

25,000

999,560

30,000

Finance income:

Notional interest on deferred consideration

Interest receivable on bank deposits

-

-

-

-

-

10,125

108,338

Finance costs:

Interest payable on bank and other loans

359,860

11,774

371,634

Dividend on Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares

13

Note

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

T Allison

I Bankier

D Desmond

P Lawwell

I Livingston

C McKay

E Riley

B Wilson

T Allison

I Bankier

D Desmond

P Lawwell

I Livingston

E Riley

B Wilson

-

-

-

25,000

-

25,000

880,142

237,500

466,228

28,763

1,612,633

21,899

1,634,532

Salary/Fees
£

Ill Health 
Payment 
£

Bonus
£

Benefits 
 in kind
£

Total Excl  
pension costs
£

Pension 
Contributions
£

-

-

-

-

-

-

25,000

50,000

25,000

417,787

17,349

999,264

-

-

4,193

-

-

-

-

-

2015 
Total
£

25,000

50,000

25,000

999,264

4,193

25,000

50,000

25,000

564,128

4,193

156,803

25,000

850,124

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

12 TAX ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

No provision for corporation tax or deferred tax is required in respect of the year ended 30 June 2016. Estimated tax losses available for set-
off against future trading profits amount to approximately £16.08m (2015: £16.40m) and, in addition, the available capital allowances pool is 
approximately £10.25m (2015: £11.25m). These estimates are subject to the agreement of the current and prior years’ corporation tax computations 
with H M Revenue and Customs. 

The corporation tax assessed for the year is different from the standard rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom of 20.00% (2015: 20.75%).  
The differences are explained below:

29,283

18,511

204,597

23,112

227,709

-

-

25,000

-

25,000

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax

447,070

35,860

1,333,054

23,112

1,356,166

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom of  
20.00% (2015: 20.75%)

The aggregate emoluments and pension contributions of the highest paid director were £999,560 (2015: £999,264) and nil (2015: £nil) respectively. 
The aggregate emoluments of the highest paid director include bonus provision entitlement. During the year, contributions were paid to defined 
contribution money purchase pension schemes in respect of 2 (2015: 1) directors. The employers NIC on directors’ remuneration during the year 
amounted to £175,336 (2015: £179,517). No directors received share options during the year (2015: £nil). In the year to 30 June 2016, Eric Riley 
received a payment of £237,500 in relation to ill health and waived all rights to remuneration in respect of the 6 months to 30 June 2016 where he 
acted as a non-executive director of the Company. 

10 RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

The Group and Company pension arrangements are operated through a defined contribution money purchase scheme. The assets of the pension 
scheme are held separately from those of the Group and Company by The Standard Life Assurance Company. Contributions made by the Group and 
Company to the scheme during the year amounted to £298,827 (2015: £335,102) and £131,387 (2015: £63,971) respectively. Group and Company 
contributions of £24,832 (2015: £32,740) and £6,087 (2015: £8,469) respectively were payable to the fund at the year-end. In addition to this the 
Group and Company also made contributions to the personal pension plans of certain employees. 

Effects of:

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Depreciation for the period (below)/in excess of capital allowances

Dividends reclassified as interest

Untaxed income

Other

Losses in the year – unutilised

Total tax charge for year

An explanation regarding the movement in deferred tax is provided at Note 19.

43

322

28

350

119

502

621

132

53

185

130

432

562

2016 
£000

459

92

15

(147)

100

-

3

(63)

-

2015 
£000

(3,947)

(819)

-

229

90

(157)

20

637

-

44

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERNotes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

13 DIVIDENDS PAYABLE

15 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

A 6% (before tax credit deduction) non-equity dividend of £0.52m (2015: £0.52m) was paid on 1 September 2016 to those holders of Convertible 
Cumulative Preference Shares on the share register at 29 July 2016. A number of shareholders elected to participate in the Company’s scrip dividend 
reinvestment scheme for the financial year to 30 June 2016. Those shareholders have received new Ordinary Shares in lieu of cash. No dividends 
were payable or proposed to be payable on the Company’s Ordinary Shares.

During the year, the Company reclaimed £0.02m (2015: £0.09m) in respect of statute barred preference dividends in accordance with the Company’s 
Articles of Association. 

14 EARNINGS PER SHARE

Reconciliation of earnings to basic earnings:

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the parent

Basic earnings/(loss)

Reconciliation of basic earnings/(loss) to diluted earnings:

Basic earnings/(loss)

Non-equity share dividend

Reclaim of statute barred non-equity share dividends

Diluted earnings/(loss)

Reconciliation of basic weighted average number of ordinary shares to 
diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares:

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares

Dilutive effect of convertible shares

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

459

459

459

521

(19)

961

(3,947)

(3,947)

(3,947)

523

(91)

(3,515)

No.’000

No.’000

93,120

43,179

92,774

43,554

136,299

136,328

Earnings per share has been calculated by dividing the profit for the period of £0.46m (2015: loss of £3.95m) by the weighted average number of 
Ordinary Shares of 93.1m (2015: 92.8m) in issue during the year. Diluted earnings per share as at 30 June 2016 has been calculated by dividing 
the profit for the period by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares, Preference Shares and Convertible Preferred Ordinary Shares in issue, 
assuming conversion at the balance sheet date, if dilutive, in accordance with IAS33 Earnings Per Share. 

Group and Company

Cost

At 1 July 2015

Additions

Disposals

At 30 June 2016

Accumulated Depreciation

At 1 July 2015

Charge for year

Eliminated on disposal

At 30 June 2016

Net Book Value

At 30 June 2016

At 30 June 2015

Group and Company

Cost

At 1 July 2014

Additions

Disposals

At 30 June 2015

Accumulated Depreciation

At 1 July 2014

Charge for year

Eliminated on disposal

At 30 June 2015

Net Book Value

At 30 June 2015

At 30 June 2014

Freehold land and buildings include capitalised interest of £0.43m (2015: £0.43m).

Freehold 
Land and 
Buildings 
£000

Plant and 
Vehicles 
£000

Fixtures, 
Fittings and 
Equipment 
£000

Total 
£000

76,196

1,619

(712)

77,103

20,744

1,689

(606)

21,827

18,093

1,368

(643)

18,818

14,596

872

(548)

14,920

53,989

191

-

54,180

3,564

587

-

4,151

50,029

50,425

4,114

60

(69)

4,105

2,584

230

(58)

2,756

1,349

1,530

3,898

3,497

55,276

55,452

Freehold 
Land and 
Buildings 
£000

Plant and 
Vehicles 
£000

Fixtures, 
Fittings and 
Equipment 
£000

53,859

280

(150)

53,989

3,025

586

(47)

3,564

4,114

-

-

16,835

1,258

-

4,114

18,093

2,390

13,799

194

-

797

-

2,584

14,596

Total 
£000

74,808

1,538

(150)

76,196

19,214

1,577

(47)

20,744

50,425

50,834

1,530

1,724

3,497

3,036

55,452

55,594

45

46

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

16 INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Group and Company

Cost

At 1 July

Additions

Disposals

At 30 June

Amortisation

At 1 July

Charge for year

Provision for impairment

Reversal of prior period impairment

Disposals

At 30 June

Net Book Value

At 30 June

The number of players with a book value in excess of £1m by contract  
expiry date is as follows:

Contract expiry within 1 year

Contract expiry within 2 years

Contract expiry within 3 years

Contract expiry within 4 years

2016
No.

1

-

3

-

4

2016
£000

1,458

-

4,608

-

6,066

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

30,200

8,755

(10,711)

28,244

27,475

9,421

(6,696)

30,200

21,844

20,278

4,953

1,294

(288)

(9,357)

18,446

7,313

378

(639)

(5,486)

21,844

9,798

8,356

2015
No.

-

1

1

1

3

2015
£000

-

1,323

1,421

1,469

4,213

No individual intangible asset included above accounted for more than 23% of the total net book value of the intangible assets (2015: 18%).  
The opening net book value of intangible assets at 1 July 2015 was £8.36m and on 1 July 2014 was £7.20m.

The profit on disposal of player registrations in the year was £12.64m (2015: £6.77m). The impairment provision in the current and prior year within 
the football segment reflects the Directors’ view that the recoverable amount of the intangible asset is lower than the carrying value, as per Note 2(d) 
above, and recognises a write down to fair value less costs to sell. The impairment charge of £1.29m (2015: £0.38m) includes 2 players (2015: 1) 
whose contract expires within one year. Of the total impairment charge, £1.02m relates to 1 player.

17 INVESTMENTS

Subsidiaries
The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary undertaking continues to be Celtic FC Limited, the main activity of which is the operation of a professional 
football club.

In turn, Celtic FC Limited holds 100% of the issued ordinary share capital in each of the following companies:

Subsidiary undertaking 
Protectevent Limited 
Glasgow Eastern Developments Limited 
The Celtic Football and Athletic Company Limited  

Activity
Dormant
Management of properties
Football club management & promotional services

These companies are registered in Scotland and are all included in the consolidated financial statements.

Other Investments
The Company also holds an investment of 2.38% in the equity share capital of The Scottish Professional Football League Limited, a company 
registered in Scotland.

18 INVENTORIES

Raw materials

Finished goods

2016
Group
£000

29

1,860

1,889

2015
Group
£000

30

2,068

2,098

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

-

-

-

-

-

-

Inventories written down during the year amounted to £0.16m (2015: £0.24m).

19 DEFERRED TAX ASSET

Group
The Group follows the accounting treatment for deferred taxation as prescribed in IAS 12 Income Taxes. At the balance sheet date the deferred tax 
asset was £2.93m (2015: £3.28m) which represents losses carried forward of £16.16m (2015: Loss £16.40m). This asset would be recoverable 
against future taxable profits of the Group. The Group has an available capital allowances pool of approximately £10.25m (2015: £11.30m). In line 
with IAS 12 Income Taxes and given the financial difficulties currently being experienced by the domestic football sector, the Group has not recognised 
the deferred tax in the financial statements because it is not considered probable that future taxable profits will be available against which these assets 
can be utilised in the foreseeable future.

Company
At 30 June 2016, the deferred tax asset not reflected in the Company’s Financial Statements was £0.018m (2015: £0.18m) which represents 
unutilised trading losses of £0.018m (2015: fixed asset timing differences £0.9m). 

47

48

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

20 TRADE & OTHER RECEIVABLES

22 SHARE CAPITAL

Trade receivables

Provision for doubtful debts (see below)

Prepayments and accrued income

Related party receivables

Other receivables

Amounts falling due after more than one year included above are:

Trade receivables

The movement in the provision for doubtful debts was as follows:

Opening balance

Balances written off

Change in provision

Closing balance

2016 
Group 
£000

17,445

(50)

17,395

1,005

-

248

2015 
Group 
£000

13,101

(20)

13,081

1,428

-

231

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

13,388

10,551

(5)

13,383

157

-

-

-

10,551

185

1,719

50

18,648

14,740

13,540

12,505

2016 
Group 
£000

3,966

2016 
Group 
£000

20

(6)

36

50

2015 
Group 
£000

2,291

2015 
Group 
£000

211

(196)

5

20

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

3,966

2,291

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

-

-

5

5

39

(16)

(23)

-

Related party receivables reflect the intercompany balance between the Company and its principal subsidiary, Celtic FC Limited.  

21 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank

Cash on hand

Cash and cash equivalents

2016 
Group 
£000

10,429

21

2015 
Group 
£000

11,749

21

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

9,684

11,395

-

-

10,450

11,770

9,684

11,395

Group
Included in the cash balance of £10.45m is £nil (2015: £2.40m) which is on deposit with a maturity date of greater than 3 months at the balance 
sheet date. The cash and cash equivalents balance for the purposes of the cash flow statement under IAS 7 is therefore £10.45m (2015: £9.37m).

Company
Included in the cash balance of £9.68m is £nil (2015: £2.40m) which is on deposit with a maturity date of greater than 3 months at the balance sheet 
date. The cash and cash equivalents balance for the purposes of the cash flow statement under IAS 7 is therefore £9.68m (2015: £9.00m).

Group and Company

Equity

Ordinary Shares of 1p each

Deferred Shares of 1p each

Convertible Preferred Ordinary Shares of £1 each

Non-equity

Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares of  
60p each

Less reallocated to debt under IAS 32:

Initial debt

Capital reserve

Authorised

Allotted, called up and fully paid

2016 
No.‘000

2015 
No.‘000

2016 
No.‘000

2016 
£000

2015 
No.‘000

222,787

631,134

15,029

221,927

612,541

15,171

93,256

631,134

13,042

933

6,311

92,831

612,541

13,042

13,184

13,184

2015 
£000

928

6,125

18,552

18,632

16,052

9,631

16,132

9,679

-

-

887,502

868,271

753,484

(2,846)

(2,781)

24,290

-

-

734,688

(2,841)

(2,781)

24,294

On 31 August 2016, 64,734 new Ordinary Shares of 1p each were issued in respect of mandates received from holders of Convertible Cumulative 
Preference Shares.

The Convertible Preferred Ordinary Shares may be converted into Ordinary Shares and Deferred Shares on the election of the shareholder. Each 
Convertible Preferred Ordinary Share converts into 2.08 Ordinary Shares and 97.92 Deferred Shares. Since 30 June 2016, the Company has 
converted 34,897 Convertible Preferred Ordinary Shares. As at 14 September 2016, the latest practicable date before publication, notices had been 
received in respect of conversion of 400 Convertible Preferred Ordinary Shares. 

Each Convertible Cumulative Preference Share of 60p carries the right, subject to the availability of distributable profits, to the payment of a fixed 
preference dividend equal to 6% (less tax credit deduction) of its nominal value, cumulative with effect from 1 July 1996. The first dividend was paid on 
31 August 1997. Holders of Preference Shares of 60p are entitled to convert each Preference Share into one Ordinary Share of 1p and 59 Deferred 
Shares of 1p each. During the year ended 30 June 2016, 79,623 Preference Shares were converted in accordance with these provisions. The 
Ordinary Shares of 1p each, arising on conversion rank pari passu in all respects with the existing Ordinary Shares of 1p each. The Deferred Shares 
are non-transferable, carry no voting rights, no class rights and have no valuable economic rights. As at 14 September 2016, the latest practicable date 
before publication, no notices had been received in respect of the conversion of Preference Shares.

The current measurement of the debt element of the Convertible Cumulative Preference shares in the Statement of Financial Position is £4.24m 
(2015: £4.26m). The difference between that liability and the amount initially recognised as debt arose as a result of interest expense charged during 
the initial period before dividends became payable. 

49

50

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERNotes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

Reconciliation of number of Ordinary Shares in issue:

Opening balance

Shares issued re scrip dividend scheme

Shares issued re Convertible Preferred Ordinary Share conversions

Shares issued re Preference Share Conversion

Closing Balance

Reconciliation of number of Deferred Shares in issue:

Opening balance

Shares issued re Convertible Preferred Ordinary Share conversions

Shares issued re Preference Share conversions

Closing Balance

Reconciliation of number of Convertible Preferred Ordinary Shares in issue:

Opening balance

Convertible Preferred Ordinary Share conversions to Ordinary and Deferred Shares

Closing Balance

Reconciliation of number of Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares in issue:

Opening balance

Convertible Cumulative Preference Share conversions to Ordinary and Deferred Shares

Closing Balance

2016 
No.‘000

2015 
No.‘000

92,831

91,754

50

295

80

59

934

84

93,256

92,831

2016  
No.‘000

2015 
No.‘000

612,541

563,589

13,895

4,698

43,971

4,981

631,134

612,541

2016 
No.‘000

2015 
No.‘000

13,184

13,633

(142)

(449)

13,042

13,184

2016 
No.‘000

2015 
No.‘000

16,132

16,216

(80)

(84)

16,052

16,132

23 RESERVES

In accordance with Resolution No 8 at the 2002 Annual General Meeting and the Court Order obtained on 9 May 2003, the previous Share Premium 
Account balance was cancelled and transferred to the Other Reserve. Under the terms of this cancellation, an amount equal to three times the 
Executive Club loans, currently equal to £312,000 (2015: £324,000) will remain non-distributable from this Other Reserve until such loans are repaid 
by the Company.

The Capital Reserve arose historically following the reallocation of an element of the Convertible Preferred Ordinary Share capital from equity to debt 
in line with the capital maintenance requirements of the Companies Act. 

The increase in the share premium account reflects the premium on the Ordinary Shares issued in the year.

The profit for the year for the parent company was £0.09m (2015: £0.46m). 

24 BORROWINGS – GROUP AND COMPANY

Current portion of interest bearing liabilities

Non current portion of interest bearing liabilities

2016 
£000

200

6,650

6,850

2015 
£000

200

6,850

7,050

The Interest bearing liabilities are represented by loans from the Co-operative Bank. These loans bear interest at London Inter-Bank Offered Rate plus 
1.125%. The loans are floating rate loans and therefore expose the Group to cash flow risk. These loans form part of the initial £20.40m loan facility 
which reduces by £0.05m per quarter until May 2019 with the balance repayable in July 2019. The Group has the option to repay the loans earlier 
than these dates without penalty. The bank loans are secured over Celtic Park, land adjoining the stadium and at Westhorn and Lennoxtown.  

25 CURRENT LIABILITIES

Current portion of bank loans

Other loans

Accrued expenses

Trade and other payables

Amounts owing to group companies

Notes

Provisions 

26

2016 
Group 
£000

200

104

8,492

3,387

-

196

2015 
Group 
£000

200

108

8,490

6,089

-

251

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

200

104

5,721

2,800

2,556

-

200

108

6,943

4,193

-

-

12,379

15,138

11,381

11,444

Other loans comprise interest free loans from members of the Executive Club which are repayable within thirty days of demand.

51

52

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER 
 
Notes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

26 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES

28 CAPITAL AND OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS

Group

Cost

At 1 July 2015

Provided for during the year

Utilised during the year

At 30 June 2016

Due within one year or less

Due after more than one year

At 30 June 2016

Onerous 
lease 
£000

Dilapidations 
£000

Other 
£000

Total 
£000

1,038

56

(251)

843

190

653

843

120

28

(18)

130

6

124

130

-

328

-

328

-

328

328

1,158

412

(269)

1,301

196

1,105

1,301

There are no such provisions held within the Company. Refer to note 2(g) for details on the recognition of provisions.

27 DEFERRED INCOME

2016 
Group 
£000

2015 
Group 
£000

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

Income deferred less than one year

19,872

12,708

724

-

Deferred income comprises season ticket, sponsorship and other elements of income, which have been received prior to the year-end in respect of the 
following football season.

Income deferred after more than one year

2016 
Group 
£000

1,343

2015 
Group 
£000

2,600

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

-

59

Deferred income due after more than one year comprises elements of income, the cash for which has been received prior to the year-end in respect of 
the years beyond 2016/17.

a. Capital commitments

Group and Company

Authorised and contracted for

b. Other commitments

At 30 June 2016 the Group had commitments under operating leases as follows:

Amounts payable:

Within 1 year

Between 2 and 5 years

In more than 5 years

2016 
£000

452

2015 
£000

689

Land & Buildings

Other

2016 
£000

589

1,728

490

2015 
£000

653

1,851

771

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

6

-

-

15

6

-

Lease payments recognised in the income statement for the period amounted to £0.85m (2015: £0.98m).

c. Contingent transfer fees payable/receivable

Under the terms of certain contracts with other football clubs in respect of the transfer of player registrations, additional amounts would be payable/
receivable by the Group if specific future conditions are met. Such future conditions could include first team competitive appearances, football success, 
international appearances and being a registered Celtic player at a certain point in time. Amounts in respect of such contracts at 30 June 2016 could 
result in an amount payable of £4.17m (2015: £3.88m), of which £2.38m (2015: £1.93m) could arise within one year and amounts receivable of 
£2.70m (2015: £1.59m), of which £1.21m (2015: £0.27m) could arise within one year. 

Group and Company

Conditions for triggering additional amounts payable:

Appearances

Success achievements

Appearances and success achievements

Registered at a future pre-determined date

2016 
£000

2015 
£000

913

557

992

1,710

4,172

649

271

1,330

1,627

3,877

Number of players contingent transfer fee payable relates to

38

38

d. Cross guarantees

Cross guarantees of nil (2015: £nil) exist between the Company and other members of the Celtic plc group. 

53

54

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

29 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – GROUP AND COMPANY

Financial risk management objectives & policies 

The principal financial instruments during the financial year ended 30 June 2016 and as at the balance sheet date were trade receivables (Note 
20) and payables (Note 25), bank borrowings (Note 24), cash (Note 21) and compound financial instruments. The main purpose of these financial 
instruments is to finance the Group’s operations. The financial assets are trade receivables and cash and are categorised as loans and receivables. 
The financial liabilities are trade payables, bank borrowings, other creditors and the debt element of the Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares. 
These are all categorised as financial liabilities measured at amortised cost.

Trade receivables are subject to standard payment terms and conditions while terms in respect of trade payables are as noted below.

The principal risks arising from the Group’s and the Company’s financial instruments are market rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The majority of 
the transactions undertaken in the year are in Sterling; therefore the Group’s and the Company’s exposure to foreign currency risk is minimal. Where 
appropriate, the Group and Company may hedge its position utilising forward contracts. There were no forward contracts in place at the year end.  
In addition, the Group and Company benefitted from low interest rates during the financial year.

In the directors’ assessment, the principal risks remain unchanged from 2015.

The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

(i) 
(ii) 
(iii) 

Market risk; 
Credit risk; and 
Liquidity risk

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks and the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for 
measuring and managing risk.

(i) Market risk

The Group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risk of changes in interest rates.

Interest Rate Risk 
The working capital of the Group and Company is funded largely by bank borrowings. The Group and Company has a £18.7m (2015: £19.6m)  
facility with the Co-operative Bank of which £5.0m is in the form of a Revolving Credit Facility (“RCF”) and £13.7m (2015: £14.1m) in long-term 
loans. While the nature of the RCF results in the application of a floating rate, the loans offer the possibility to lock into a longer-term interest rate. 
£6.85m (2015: £7.05m) of the loan facility is required to be drawn down for the term of the facility agreement with this drawn down balance reducing 
by £0.2m per annum. 

During 2015/16, fixed rate periods were for three months and the average balance on the loans was £6.95m (2015: £7.13m). During the course 
of the year, the Group had an average credit balance on the RCF facility of £nil (2015: £nil). The average RCF rate applicable during the year was 
1.55% (2015: 1.55%) and the average loan rate 1.68% (2015: 1.68%). 

Interest rate sensitivity analysis 
Based on the average levels of debt in the year to 30 June 2016 it is estimated that a 1% increase in interest rates would result in a net increase in 
finance costs, and thus reduction in profit and equity of £0.07m (2015: £0.07m). The calculation in both years incorporates the terms and conditions 
of the agreement with the Co-operative Bank at that time.

In terms of the overall risk management process, executive management liaise closely with advisers in managing the risk profile of the Group  
and Company. In times of interest rate volatility, executive management take advice as to the various instruments that may protect the Group and 
Company against increased costs, whether this be an interest rate cap, collar or other mechanism. No such mechanisms were utilised during the  
year nor in 2015.

(ii) Credit Risk

Trade receivables 
Although the vast majority of individual transactions entered into with customers are low value, business objectives rely on maintaining a high 
quality customer base and place strong emphasis on good credit management. Prior to entering into significant contracts extensive credit checks 
on potential customers are carried out with the results having a strong bearing on the selection of trading partner. Executive management are 
responsible for most day-to-day aspects of credit management although contracts of significance, in terms being in excess of a predetermined value, 
are referred to the Board.

Trade receivables, where the credit terms extend beyond the Group’s standard credit terms, are recorded at fair value using the discounted  
cash flow method. 

As at 30 June 2016, £0.35m representing 2.0% of trade receivables of the Group of £17.54m were past due but not impaired (2015: £0.28m, 
2.2%) and £0.003m representing 0.02% of the trade receivables of the Company of £13.52m were past due but not impaired (2015: £0.02m, 0%). 
Group trade receivables of £0.05m (2015: £0.02m) were considered to be impaired at the year end due to the aging profile of the balances and 
management’s assessment of the likely outcome. Details of trade receivables are included in Note 20. An analysis of trade receivables past due but 
not impaired is as follows: 

Trade receivables:

Up to 30 days past due

Between 60 and 30 days past due

Over 60 days past due

2016 
Group 
£000

311

11

33

355

2015 
Group 
£000

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

251

14

20

285

3

-

-

3

18

1

-

19

Cash at bank and cash deposits 
The Group and Company are also exposed to credit risk through cash balances held with the under noted banks; 

Co-operative Bank

Royal Bank of Scotland

Allied Irish Bank

Barclays

Santander

HSBC

Sub total

Cash on hand

2016 
Group 
£000

943

2,002

80

3,000

2,400

2,004

2015 
Group 
£000

349

1,754

104

3,498

2,613

3,431

10,429

11,749

21

21

2016 
Company 
£000

2015 
Company 
£000

278

2,002

-

3,000

2,400

2,004

9,684

-

99

1,754

-

3,498

2,613

3,431

11,395

-

Cash and cash equivalents

10,450

11,770

9,684

11,395

The Group deposits surplus funds in a number of banks in accordance with the Group’s treasury management policy based on internal credit limits 
aligned with Moody’s ratings in order to restrict credit risk to financial assets in the form of monetary deposits. However, throughout both 2016 and 
2015, the Co-operative Bank was in a net lending position, as £6.85m (2015: £7.05m) of the available loan facility, as noted above, is required to be 
drawn down for the term of the facility agreement. 

55

56

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERNotes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

(iii) Liquidity Risk

Other loans held by the Company of £0.11m (2015: £0.11m) are repayable on demand.

The financial liabilities of the Group and Company, principally trade payables and bank borrowings, are repayable in accordance with the respective 
trading and lending terms entered into by the Group. Trade and other payables are payable monthly in arrears where undisputed or alternatively in 
accordance with particular contract terms. As at 30 June 2016, 63% of trade payables of the Group were due to be paid within one month (2015: 
76%) and 38% of trade payables of the Company were due to be paid within one month (2015: 52%). The nature of other payables is such that 
amounts due will crystallise within a 3 month period.

The cash flow related to the maturity of the bank borrowings (inclusive of interest) of the Group and Company is as set out below. 

Non-current borrowings

Current portion of borrowings

Total

Non-current borrowings

Current portion of borrowings

Total

2016 
Group 
£000

2016 
Group 
£000

2016 
Group 
£000

2016 
Group 
£000

2016 
Group 
£000

Due between  
0 to 3 months

Due between  
3 to 12 months

Due between  
1 to 5 years

Due after  
5 years

28

51

79

85

152

237

2015 
Group 
£000

2015 
Group 
£000

6,873

-

6,873

2015 
Group 
£000

-

-

-

2015 
Group 
£000

Due between  
0 to 3 months

Due between  
3 to 12 months

Due between  
1 to 5 years

Due after  
5 years

29

51

80

90

152

242

7,306

-

7,306

-

-

-

Total

6,986

203

7,189

2015 
Group 
£000

Total

7,425

203

7,628

The Company’s financial liabilities include the annual payment of £0.52m (2015: £0.52m) in respect of the Convertible Cumulative Preference Share 
dividends. At the balance sheet date, based on the available information, the future cash flows of this liability are £0.52m in perpetuity. 

The Group and Company prepare annual budgets including a cash flow forecast. Monthly management accounts are produced which report performance 
against budget and provide a forecast of the annual financial performance and cash flow. This is monitored closely by the executive management and 
corrective action taken where appropriate. 

The bank loans and RCF bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.125% and base rate plus 1.0% respectively, as was the case in the year ended 30 June 2015. 
The other loans of the Group and Company are interest free. It is the Group and Company policy to secure funding at the most cost-effective rates of 
interest available to the Group.

Of the available bank facilities of £18.7m (2015: £19.6m), of which £13.7m is represented by long-term loans and £5.0m by RCF, £11.85m  
(2015: £12.55m) remains undrawn at the balance sheet date. The undrawn facility will expire on the following dates: 

Facilities expiring within one year

Facilities expiring between two and five years

Revolving Credit Facility

2016 
£000

200

6,650

5,000

2015 
£000

200

6,850

5,500

11,850

12,550

Compound Financial Instruments
The Company’s non-equity Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares are convertible to equity (Ordinary and Deferred) shares on or any time after 1 July 
2001 at the discretion of the shareholder. Until these shares are converted to equity, the holders are entitled to a fixed dividend of 6% less tax credit.

Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
The fair value of the Group and Company’s financial assets and liabilities, as defined above, are not materially different to their book value with the 
exception of the debt element of the Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares, the fair value of which is considered to be £9.08m (2015: £9.08m).  
The fair value of the debt element of the compound financial instruments has been calculated by reference to the discounted value of future cash flows.

Under IFRS 13, the Convertible Cumulative Preference Shares are measured under level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (unobservable inputs). The valuation 
technique used has been a discounted cash flow method.

Capital management
The Group and Company’s capital base is as set out in the Statement of Changes in Equity and in Notes 22 and 23 (Share Capital and Reserves 
respectively). It is the policy of the Board that trading plans should result in cash positive results, providing shareholder value and satisfying all dividend 
requirements. The bank borrowing facility of £18.7m is utilised to fund working capital. The Board consider carefully all significant capital projects and 
where necessary ensures that the funding of such is achieved through utilisation of the most appropriate funding mechanism whether borrowings or 
additional equity.

The Board considers all these things by reference to projected costings and budgets, taking into account funding structures and sources and its overall 
objectives and policies to mitigate risk. Neither the Group nor Company is subject to any regulatory capital requirements.

57

58

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHERNotes To The Financial Statements
Year Ended 30 June 2016

30 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

Since the balance sheet date we have secured the registrations of Moussa Dembele, Scott Sinclair, Dorus Devries, Kolo Toure and Christian Gamboa 
while the registrations of Scott Allan and Saidy Janko have been temporarily transferred to Rotherham and Barnsley respectively. We permanently 
transferred the registration of Stefan Johansen to Fulham and the registration of Darnell Fisher to Rotherham.

We have also temporarily transferred the registrations of development squad players Aidan Nesbett and Jamie Lindsay to Greenock Morton,  
Joe Thomson to Dumbarton and Luke Donnelly to Alloa.

Further expenditure of £6.31m has been committed in acquiring player registrations. Post year player registrations have been disposed of with net  
sale proceeds of £2.38m. 

31 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Celtic plc undertakes related party transactions with its subsidiary company Celtic F.C. Limited which are governed by a management services 
agreement. This agreement covers the recharge of certain direct expenditure and income, where applicable, from Celtic plc to Celtic F.C. Limited as 
well as the rental of certain properties at Celtic Park to Celtic F.C. Limited. The amount recharged in the year by Celtic plc to Celtic F.C. Limited was 
£15.35m (2015: £14.21m) with £2.40m (2015: £1.72m) due to the parent company at the balance sheet date. 

Key management personnel are deemed to be the Directors and the salaries paid to them have been disclosed in the Remuneration Report on  
page 22. 

DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND ADVISERS
Year Ended 30 June 2016

Directors   

Remuneration Committee 

Ian P Bankier (Chairman)
Thomas E Allison*§
Dermot F Desmond*
Peter T Lawwell (Chief Executive)
Ian P Livingston* (Lord Livingston of Parkhead)
Christopher McKay (Financial Director from 1 January 2016)
Eric J Riley (Financial Director until 31 December 2015)^
Brian D H Wilson*

§ Senior Independent Director
* Independent Non-Executive Director
^ Non-Executive Director from 1 January 2016 until 30 June 2016 
# Non-Executive Director

Company Secretary 

Michael Nicholson

Company Number 

SC3487

Registered Office  

Celtic Park 
Glasgow, G40 3RE

Directors of The Celtic Football 
and Athletic Company Limited 

John S Keane (Honorary Chairman)*
Peter T Lawwell
Eric J Riley#
Michael A McDonald*
Kevin Sweeney*

Auditors 

BDO LLP
4 Atlantic Quay
70 York Street
Glasgow, G2 8JX

Solicitors 

Pinsent Masons LLP
141 Bothwell Street
Glasgow, G2 7EQ

Bankers 

The Co-operative Bank plc
29 Gordon Street
Glasgow, G1 3PF

Thomas E Allison (Chairman)
Ian P Bankier
Brian D H Wilson

Audit Committee 

Ian P Livingston (Chairman)
Dermot F Desmond
Brian D H Wilson

Nomination Committee 

Ian P Bankier (Chairman)
Thomas E Allison
Dermot F Desmond

Football Manager 

Ronny Deila until 27 May 2016
Brendan Rodgers from 1 June 2016

Stockbroker and  
Nominated Adviser 

Canaccord Genuity Limited
88 Wood Street
London, EC2V 7QR

Registrars  

Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol, BS99 3FA

www.celticfc.net

59

60

A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER