In a move that will raise eyebrows across the support, CeltsAreHere can confirm Celtic are set to unveil a statue of club chairman Peter Lawwell on the Celtic Way, with the structure to take its place alongside existing tributes to Brother Walfrid, Jock Stein, Jimmy Johnstone and Billy McNeill.
The initiative is said to have come directly from majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, who has reportedly pushed for the tribute as a “fitting recognition” of Lawwell’s influence over the club’s modern era. Sources close to Desmond suggest he views Lawwell’s contribution as “critical to Celtic’s stability” and key in allowing him to maintain a hands-off role across more than two decades.
Lawwell, who first joined the Celtic boardroom in 2003 and currently serves as chairman after a lengthy spell as CEO, has long been a divisive figure among supporters. From overseeing domestic dominance to being criticised for perceived caution in European ambition and recruitment strategy, the 25-year reign has rarely been short of drama.
One club source described the statue project as “a celebration of continuity, consistency, and cost control”—a tribute already being viewed by many as a curious one. When CeltsAreHere questioned why Peter Lawwell would be honoured ahead of a Henrik Larsson-type figure, the source replied, “Henrik was alright, but Peter has been the real hero for over two decades. He may as well have chipped Stefan Klos himself”. They stopped short of confirming whether the statue would include a spreadsheet or feature a heated plinth beneath it.
Plans are in place to have the statue unveiled on the opening day of next season, with discussions ongoing on who will do the honours of unveiling – an early favourite is Dominic McKay.
Celtic have yet to officially comment on the development, but preparatory groundworks are expected to begin shortly—coincidentally around the same time as the launch of a new club tie range.
