Celtic: Brendan Rodgers defends ‘fantastic job’ done by ex-recruitment boss Mark Lawwell

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has defended former head of recruitment Mark Lawwell at the club’s annual general meeting, saying it is impossible for every signing to be a success.

Lawwell, the chairman’s son Peter, left Parkhead in March after two years in the role and his record was criticized at the AGM, with chief executive Michael Nicholson asked by a shareholder: “At what point did you decide to sack the son the president? “

Peter Lawwell said the shareholder – Celtic blogger Joe McHugh – had an “unhealthy obsession with me and my son”.

Nicholson then said: “When Mark decided to leave to pursue other opportunities, we were sorry to see him go,” before Rodgers praised Lawwell junior’s work.

“Mark’s influence in bringing in Ange Postecoglou was huge,” said Rodgers. “If that was his only contribution here, then he did a fantastic job. But he was influential in bringing in players like Alistair Johnston. Every player will not work.

“My experience working with Mark was amazing. He decided to go another way.

“He’s a massive Celtic supporter from a family that wants the best for Celtic. His intention was to be very, very good for Celtic and that’s why I will defend him.”

In a wide-ranging question-and-answer session, topics included ticket prices, stadium redevelopment, fans’ use of pyrotechnics and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Finance officer Chris McKay insisted he would consider calls to lower ticket prices given the club’s healthy bank balance, but noted current economic difficulties and stressed Celtic’s cash reserves provide a welcome cushion.

“It gives us flexibility in different transfer windows to invest when we need to invest,” he said.

“The cash won’t last forever, but if we are in the Europa League for a period of time, we can run the business under normal circumstances without having to sell marquee players and it allows us to invest in the squad.”

Nicholson said the use of pyrotechnics was “not a problem specific to Celtic” and that he was more concerned about their dangerous nature than the fines the club had received. “It’s a challenge that we will continue to try to address,” he added.