Celtic captain, Scott Brown, has opened up on the private side to outgoing Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell, in a frank and honest opinion that will show the fans a side to the CEO that they probably had no knowledge of.
Brown said that Lawwell was always there for him whenever he had personal issues and was one of the first people on the telephone to offer any help if he could.
Speaking to The Daily Record, Brown said, “I already knew about his decision but it’s still hard to take. He’s been huge for me. I’ve had a few family issues – and Peter was always the first to pick up the phone.
“When there were hard times, he always picked up the phone to make sure I was okay.
“He would take the opportunity to drive through and see me. Or I could always drive through to speak to him.
“He was always there. A little text message here and there. It was fantastic.
“I probably wouldn’t still be here if it wasn’t for Peter.
“My relationship with him has been fantastic over the years. He was the one who paid the money for me to come from Hibs, he gave me the opportunity, along with Gordon Strachan and Tommy Burns, to play at Celtic Park.
“He offered me a new deal once they left, which some might not have done.
“When I first met him we left other people to talk money. That wasn’t my job. My job is to perform on the pitch.
“But Peter told me all about Celtic, it being a family club, how I’d love playing in front of the fans, what it means to him and his family and how we were going to grow going forward.”
Brown also elaborated on his thoughts on Lawwell’s performance over the last 17 years and concluded that he has left an amazing legacy at Celtic Park for the new CEO, Dominic McKay, to take over, “He’s always wanted this club to be as strong as it possibly can be.”
“For me his legacy is winning trophies, building Lennoxtown, Nine In A Row, the Quadruple Treble, he’s been fantastic for the players as well, whether it’s the ones who’ve been here a while like myself, Callum McGregor and James Forrest or others who have been here not so long.
“It’s up to other people how they think about him. Peter knows what he’s done here, things like building an unbelievable training facility, making sure we have 60,000 fans coming in every week, things like having the standing section.
“He’s brought in some great players over the years and some unbelievable managers. I remember there was 12,000 fans at Celtic Park when Brendan Rodgers came in.
“Peter’s always wanted the best for the club. He’s won 29 trophies in his 17 years here – which is incredible for anyone to have on their CV when they retire.”