Celtic chief Lawwell says club needs 'strength in adversity'

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has called for “strength in adversity” following a poor run of form, which saw the club exit the League Cup at the hands of Ross County.

Supporters gathered outside Celtic Park on Sunday calling for the removal of manager Neil Lennon, with the club having won just two of their last ten matches in all competitions.

In a statement on Tuesday Lawwell said: “Like all those with Celtic’s best interests at heart, everyone at the club is feeling the same hurt, disappointment and frustration following the team’s recent results.

“We are accustomed to winning and, of course, our objective will always be for that to continue. There is no complacency whatsoever.

“Neil, the players and backroom staff, who have already done so much for the club, share in all of that. They have never been more determined to succeed. Having enjoyed such sustained, unprecedented success, we now need strength in adversity.”

Celtic face AC Milan at the San Siro in the Europa League on Thursday evening and are currently bottom of their group.

Lawwell said he was aware that supporters had shared “very honest and real concerns”, adding “they are being heard by the club.”

He said: “Together we have faced unique difficulties in the early part of the season. While some of these were beyond our control, of course we recognise we must improve. There is a long way to go and everyone at the Club is ready for the challenge.

“Later this month, Celtic will attempt what no other club in the world has achieved – a quadruple treble in domestic competitions.

“We can best prepare for that and for our other remaining competitions this season by moving forward together, with the sole aim of achieving continued success for the club.”