BEACHBALL FRIDAY

Nicholson emerges from the shadows and plays it for laughs as he settles Brendan’s nerves but also warns there’s no bottomless pit of cash for transfers

- GORDON PARKS

NOBODY should be fooled by the shy and retiring facade of Michael Nicholson along with the sharp mind there also lurks a sense of humour.

Once the cameras had finished flashing at the media unveiling of Brendan Rodgers on his return to Parkhead yesterday, it was left to the lawyer to ease the tension in the room by raising a few laughs over his role in securing this remarkable reunion.

There was also brevity.

Care was taken when detailing the financial parameters the Northern Irishman will work under, no bold promises nor mentions of war chests.

But it was the CEO's ability to break the ice on an inquisition for his returning manager which allowed time and space for Rodgers to relax and sell his own vision of the future.

It may have appeared highly unlikely that a Rodgers return would be the outcome of a search to replace Ange Postecoglou, but the Australian is already yesterday's man.

Nicholson did give a few nervous glances at the Prodigal Son before being handed the floor as he fielded a question about the recruitment process.

He admitted it began with a trip to Spain and joked that any hope of a cloak and dagger approach was blown by Celtic's finance director Chris McKay as the pair set off for talks with their number one target.

He said: "Chris McKay and myself went for lunch in Majorca, that was the starting point and perhaps the worst kept secret in Scottish football.