Former Head of Recruitment Mark Lawwell was a key topic of discussion at today’s Celtic AGM, with Brendan Rodgers offering a strong defence of his tenure.
Lawwell, who departed the club earlier this year, was credited with making significant contributions during his time at Parkhead, including playing a pivotal role in the appointment of Ange Postecoglou in 2021.
Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the ex-recruitment chief, describing his work at the club as “fantastic.” Addressing criticism that arose during the meeting, Rodgers emphasised the challenges of recruitment and the impact Lawwell made during his tenure.
He highlighted Lawwell’s role in key signings, including Alistair Johnston, who has become an integral part of the squad, signing a new contract on the morning of the AGM.
“Mark done a fantastic job here at Celtic. Every player that comes in to here will not succeed. I think if you look at Mark’s influence on bringing in Ange Postecoglou was huge.
“Now, if that was his only contribution to here, then he’d done a fantastic job, but he didn’t. He was influential in bringing in other players, with Alistair Johnson and some of these other guys. All the players won’t work out that come in here, and I know that as a manager and a coach.
“My experience of working with Mark was second to none. He decided to go down a different route, and I respect that. But I also sit here in his defence, because he’s a massive Celtic supporter. Like Peter, in the Celtic family, they want nothing but the best for Celtic.
“Sometimes in that role as recruitment, like it is as a manager, you bring in a player and it just might not quite work out for whatever reason. But finally, what I do know, is that his intention was for the very, very best for Celtic. And for that, that’s why I will defend him.” [The Herald]
Mark Lawwell left Celtic prior to the summer transfer window, and in October, the club announced Paul Tisdale as his replacement. Despite his departure, his contributions—particularly in securing Postecoglou’s appointment—were recognised as instrumental in shaping Celtic’s recent successes.
Celtic’s recruitment will always attract scrutiny. Tisdale has a tough job of pleasing all fans on his hands.
He comes in with a big reputation, and big things are expected of him as we head into the January and summer transfer windows.
