Dermot Desmond on Lawwell: “The Club and I will miss his wisdom, energy and unwavering devotion to Celtic FC”

Dermot Desmond has revealed that he tried to talk Peter Lawwell out of retiring but was unsuccessful as the current Celtic CEO’s mind was already made up. The news that Lawwell will stand down at the end of this season after 17 years in charge of the club was announced to the Stock Exchange this morning with the news posted on the club’s official website.

The Irish Billionaire, who is the largest single shareholder in the club explained that he’d done his best to change Lawwell’s mind when he heard that he planned to retire.

“When Peter told me he was considering retirement, I did my utmost, unsuccessfully, to dissuade him. Celtic Football Club owes a major debt of gratitude to Peter Lawwell, who has made a unique and transformative contribution to our Club. I have been privileged to work with many CEOs and Peter ranks up there with the best of them.

“Over the years, Peter was sought after by many English Premier League clubs, but his love and commitment to the Club and Scotland were more important to him. Since 2003, under Peter’s tutelage, Celtic has achieved incomparable domestic success and the number of trophies is unsurpassed by any other Club in Europe.

“Peter’s expertise and professionalism have been recognised by UEFA where he has been an outstanding contributor, to the benefit of both Celtic and Scottish football. I have had a first-class relationship with Peter over the years, speaking daily and often multiple times daily. The Club and I will miss his wisdom, energy and unwavering devotion to Celtic FC. I cannot adequately express my thanks and appreciation to Peter for all he has done for Celtic FC.”

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Meanwhile Celtic Star reader Chris Gibbons has paid tribute to Peter Lawwell for everything he has done for Celtic.

“Peter has given much of his life to Celtic FC and we must all thank him profusely for this. He loves the club and his skill and courage was clear to everyone.

“We must always remember that he was offered other jobs in the Premier League in England and elsewhere. He refused everyone of them to his credit and to Celtic FC and our benefit.

“His replacement will have a difficult job but today we think of Peter and all that he has done for us.

“All the best for the future Peter and thank you. You will go down in the clubs history as one of the greats,” Chris stated.