LAWWELL: No one can deny this is deserved

CELTIC chief executive Peter Lawwell greeted confirmation of nine-in-a-row by insisting that the merits of the club’s recordequalling achievement could not be disputed.

Lawwell issued an open letter to Parkhead fans less than an hour after the SPFL board announced that they were curtailing the Premiership campaign and settling the final positions on a points-pergame basis.

Thirteen points clear of Rangers when Scottish football entered its coronavirus shutdown, Celtic are therefore champions in a ninth successive season for just the second time in their history.

Lawwell paid tribute to the work of manager Neil Lennon and his backroom staff and expressed gratitude for the backing received from supporters.

‘I want to thank you sincerely for your commitment — a commitment that has allowed us to build our team, to deliver yet another major honour and to ensure that, once again, we have proven ourselves to be the dominant force in Scottish football,’ wrote Lawwell (below).

‘It is, of course, a real shame that we were not able to see out the league in front of our fans. However, no one can deny how deserved this title is.

‘I want to thank Neil, John Kennedy, Damien Duff, our wonderful players and backroom team and all our staff for all they have given to our cause this year.

‘Under Neil’s guidance, we have produced performances of the highest quality. We have produced exciting, attacking, winning football. We have played the Celtic way and won the Celtic way. We are champions for a reason.

‘Supported brilliantly by you, Neil and our team have shown such focus and relentlessness, producing phenomenal consistency and ultimately delivering a 13-point margin at the league’s conclusion. I am so proud of our team and proud of you for all you have given us.’

Celtic released a statement to the Stock Exchange yesterday saying that while the early conclusion of the season had ‘a short-term impact on the finances of the club, Celtic remains in a strong financial position through its robust balance sheet in terms of player registrations and deferred transfer receivables.’

Lawwell also focused on the broader impact of the coronavirus pandemic by dedicating the title to key workers.

‘While we rightly celebrate this fantastic, deserved achievement, we must take time to consider the wider circumstances we have all been experiencing and remember those who have helped us through these unique and challenging times with such bravery and selflessness,’ he continued.

‘We dedicate this title to everyone who has cared for us and all those who have been affected by these times of challenge and difficulty.

‘Celtic has a charitable purpose at its core and, during these unprecedented times of crisis, we felt it was crucial that we stood up and supported those in need. I am delighted to report that, through Celtic FC Foundation, we have now committed £450,000 to this effort.

‘We continue to marvel at the contribution of frontline NHS staff and other key workers to our society and we are very aware that they and so many others in so many different ways require some vital help.

‘We will continue to do all we can within the community to make a difference.

‘It’s my absolute honour to be part of this great institution and it has been my privilege to work in your interests to ensure that we always give you a club you can be proud of. ‘Nine years of domestic dominance is something we should all be proud of and embrace. Let’s now look ahead with confidence to many more days of success. ‘As we remain in difficult times, we will need you with us on this road. Now more than ever. ‘Our unity will always be our strength. Enjoy this time and enjoy our nine!’