Tributes have been paid following the departure of long-serving Celtic board member Tom Allison, who has stepped down after nearly 25 years at the club.
Allison joined the board back in 2001 and went on to become a key figure behind the scenes, serving as senior independent director and offering guidance through multiple eras at Celtic.
Interim chairman Brian Wilson thanked him for his contribution, pointing to the period of transition he oversaw.
He said in the statement: “Tom joined the Celtic Board at a time of transition, and the Club has continued to benefit from his business expertise and wise counsel throughout the intervening years.
“All of us who have known Tom as a friend and colleague deeply appreciate his contribution and extend our best wishes for the future.”
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond also underlined Allison’s influence, particularly at boardroom level.
He added: “Tom has made an enormous personal contribution to Celtic. He has been a key advisor to me at all stages and brought his wisdom to the many challenges which arose over the years.
“The wisdom and experience that Tom brought to the Board is unmatched and irreplaceable.”
Allison’s departure comes at a pivotal moment for Celtic, with pressure on the club’s leadership and major decisions looming this summer.
They’re already under immense pressure from the fans. Brian Wilson will look to stand aside and make way for a permanent appointment this summer, after Peter Lawwell retired from his post at the turn of the year.
Allison’s exit closes a significant chapter but also signals that change is underway behind the scenes.
It looks set to be a major summer for Celtic, who could now be making a number of key appointments on and off the park. They’ll need to get every appointment bang on, too.
