PETER Lawwell is back at Celtic as the new non-exec chairman taking over from the outgoing Ian Bankier as of January.

Celtsarehere was tipped off earlier this year that Peter’s return was more than likely, and it’s turned out to be the case.

The former chief executive has not really left the building in many ways. He is still there at each and every match day, inside the board room.

Lawwell stepped down from his position at the end of the COVID season. There was so much hostility aimed at the chief exec who allowed the COVID season farce go on as long as it did under Neil Lennon and allowed the idiotic trip to Dubai.

Before that season, Peter was still very much a polarising figure among the support. His business acumen can’t be questioned, but his record of getting Celtic into the Champions League was very poo. Especially between 2010-2020.

The perception was and still is that Lawwell would rarely gamble or provide Celtic managers what they need to go and win qualifiers. Happy to sell our biggest asset when we didn’t make the group stages.

Michael Nicholson, to his credit, has been the polar opposite and is getting deals done very early, equipping Ange with what he needs.

The return will split fans, and the dynamic now between peter and board members, as well as the manager, will become a bit different. The Celtic chairman is usually a hands-off role, but does Peter have that in him?

peter lawwell and bankier
REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Celtic is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Lawwell as a director of Celtic plc and its new Non-Executive Chairman. Peter will take up his new role from January 1st, 2023, following the retirement of current Chairman, Ian Bankier.

Peter Lawwell spoke to the Celtic website after the appointment was made public.:  “As a lifelong Celtic supporter, it is a great privilege to be asked to take up the position of Chairman, having already been part of our great Club for nearly 18 years.  

“These are exciting times for the Club and I look forward to contributing to the well-being and success of the Club.

“Our objective as ever will be to grow and further develop the Club across all areas. Led by an excellent Chief Executive in Michael Nicholson, and Chief Financial Officer Chris McKay, the Club has a high-quality management team in place.  

“I will be offering my support and guidance to the Board and executive management team to ensure that we continue to drive the Club forward and protect and promote the interests of our supporters.”

Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson added: “We are delighted to welcome Peter as Chairman and I look forward to working with him as we continue to progress and develop the Club.  

“Peter has a wealth of experience in the football industry at a domestic, European and global level, which is invaluable to the Club going forward.  

“Our collective objective is to create a world-class football club that our supporters can be proud of, competing at the highest level, with a strategy based on growth and continuous improvement.

“On behalf of the Board, and all of our colleagues at the Club, I thank Ian Bankier for his service and contribution to our Club, and wish him and his family the best for the future.”

Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond said: “I am delighted that Peter has agreed to take up the position of Chairman. He is the outstanding candidate.

“Peter is a man of the highest quality, someone who has served the Club already with real commitment and expertise and his experience and knowledge of the club, as well as of the wider global football environment, will help continue to drive the Club forward.  

“He is perfectly placed to work with Michael Nicholson, Chris McKay and the Board to ensure we continue to compete in Scottish and European football and to manage the challenges and opportunities in a European context.

“I would also like to thank Ian Bankier for his excellent contribution to Celtic over a number of years. I join everyone at the Club in wishing him and his family every success for the future.”

Ian Bankier said: “I am pleased that Peter has agreed to take on the role of Non-Executive Chairman. Against any reasonable benchmark, Celtic has prospered over the last decade and beyond.

“This is in no small part down to the stability of the Club and the retention of knowledge and experience. Peter will be a most effective sounding board for the executive and a fine representative both domestically and abroad.

“I would like to thank everyone at Celtic for their support during my term of office. I shall miss them all. I wish the Club and the Celtic support all the very best for the future.”

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