Celtic’s struggle to maintain dominance in the Scottish Premiership has brought several issues to the forefront, notably the dissatisfaction among fans with the club’s recruitment strategy and the management of the team.
The growing discontent has been vocalized through chants targeting the board and specifically Peter Lawwell, the club’s former CEO and current non-executive chairman, alongside his son Mark Lawwell, the head of recruitment.
As the season progresses with Celtic’s title defence appearing increasingly precarious, the focus of fans’ frustrations has intensified around the club’s transfer policies. Despite significant investment, many of the summer signings have failed to make the desired impact, leaving manager Brendan Rodgers to rely on less experienced players like Stephen Welsh and Liam Scales as his central defensive partnership. The situation underscores the perceived missteps in recruitment, with fans questioning the rationale behind the signings of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki, who, despite their combined £8 million price tag, have seen limited action.
Journalist Graeme McGarry reports a sense of bemusement within Celtic over the direct criticism of Peter Lawwell, given his ostensibly reduced role in the club’s current operations. However, the connection between Lawwell and the recruitment process, through his son’s involvement, has compounded fans’ perceptions of accountability.
He wrote in The Herald: “Rodgers must take his fair share of responsibility for all of this, but all of these woes can be traced back to the fact that the recruitment has lacked ambition, and in January, has failed to improve the team.
“Privately, Celtic are somewhat bemused by the vitriol being aimed at chairman and former chief executive Peter Lawwell over that, given he now has no part to play in the signing of players. Well, apart from his son being the head of recruitment.
“What agency that gives him in that area, only they know, but the perception of that dynasty has already led to the fans making up their minds on who is to blame.”
DD is to blame, Rodgers resumed another position, he took control, he interfered with player decisions.
How strange that I seen the body language of Ange change long before it was announced he was leaving.
Lawells have to get out of Celtic, as Does Rodgers-the team destroyer.