Neil Lennon has told The Scottish Sun that Peter Lawwell should be regarded as a ‘massively influential’ figure of the modern Celtic era after being replaced by Dominic McKay.
Lawwell’s time as the Hoops’ Chief Executive has officially come to an end after 17-years. The Parkhead outfit have informed the London Stock Exchange of his departure, via The Herald, with McKay taking over from Thursday.
Lennon grew from playing for Celtic, becoming a coach and then managing the club twice during Lawwell’s tenure in Glasgow. And the Northern Irishman has the utmost respect for the departing figure for ensuring the Hoops enjoyed success both on and off the pitch.
Celtic won 13 titles, including nine-in-a-row, 16 cups and reached the Champions League Last 16 three times during Lawwell’s tenure. But the response supporters showed during a difficult 2020/21 season deeply saddened Lennon.
“Peter’s time as Chief Executive should never be forgotten,” Lennon said. “I believe history will judge him well. The job he has done for Celtic is phenomenal. It deeply saddened me the level of criticism Peter suffered last season. He didn’t deserve that.
“All he’s ever wanted is the best for Celtic. Peter felt the same sense of acute disappointment as any other supporter over how the season unfolded. It hurt him, believe me. But he should be regarded as a massively influential figure for Celtic in the modern era.”
Lawwell leaves Celtic with incredible record
The 2020/21 Premiership season certainly did not go as planned for Celtic in their hunt for a famous ten-in-a-row. But Lawwell leaves Parkhead with an incredible record next to his name that will be long remembered.
It was an incredible accomplishment for the Hoops to dominate Scottish football for so long. Celtic also won the title more often than not during Lawwell’s tenure, with Lennon playing his part.
Lawwell also negotiated handsome sums for players to leave Celtic over the years that ensured the Parkhead side’s high revenue. The Scottish Sun note Arsenal paid £25m for Kieran Tierney, Virgil van Dijk eventually cost Southampton £20m, while Lyon paid close to the same for Moussa Dembele.
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