David Pleat: From Dugout to Scouting – Legendary Manager Takes on New Role at Celtic

New Chapter for Football Veteran

Former Sheffield Wednesday and Tottenham Hotspur manager David Pleat has been appointed as a scout for Celtic. The 79-year-old brings vast experience and is widely regarded as a fountain of knowledge in talent identification.

Distinguished Career

Pleat’s journey in football includes 185 Football League appearances across five clubs as a player, and notable managerial spells including two stints at Luton Town and four periods at Tottenham Hotspur. His most successful season as a manager came in 1986-87 at Tottenham, where he led the team to third place in the First Division, reached the FA Cup final, and the Football League Cup semi-final. His achievement was recognized with Manager of the Month awards in both January and February 1987, with The Independent later describing his tenure as producing “some of the best attacking football of the last two decades.”

Recent Developments

According to recent reports, Celtic have enlisted Pleat’s expertise for talent identification, with the veteran football figure receiving a one-year contract. His primary responsibility will be focusing on identifying talent in England. Prior to this appointment, Pleat has maintained an active presence in football media, writing columns for the Guardian and the Daily Mail, while also maintaining long-standing associations with ITV and BBC Radio 5 Live.

Legacy and Recognition

Pleat’s enduring influence in football is evidenced by his position as the longest-serving member of the League Managers Association Board and management committee, having joined in 1978. His contributions to football and media were recognized with an M.A. (Hons) from Luton University. In 2021, he received a significant honor when Luton Town fans voted him as the club’s greatest manager in a poll by Vital Football, securing 74% of all votes cast.