Ex-Celtic boss defends Peter Lawwell but admits he ‘fell out’ with him ‘loads of times’

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Neil Lennon has delivered a stout defence of Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell, despite revealing they fell out with each other on many occasions.

Lennon was appointed Celtic boss in 2010 when Lawwell was CEO of the club, leading the Hoops to three league titles in four years.

He then returned as manager with Lawwell still in post in February 2019 and took his total major trophies tally to 10, making him the fourth most successful Parkhead boss of all time.

Lawwell retired as CEO to become chairman of Celtic in 2022, but is under huge scrutiny at the moment from Hoops supporters.

Many Celtic fan groups and associations want Lawwell removed as chairman due to a disastrous 2025 summer transfer window and a failure to reach the Champions League.

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Neil Lennon sticks up for Celtic chairman Lawwell

However, Lennon – currently manager of Dunfermline Athletic – thinks the fan protests are ‘unnecessary’ and launched a defence of Lawwell.

Lennon admitted that he did fall out with Lawwell ‘loads of times’ but maintains that everything he does is for the ‘betterment’ of the Hoops.

Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Lennon said: “Peter, you know, not only a great administrator, but very astute. Fell out loads of times, you know, as you would do over deals or contracts or whatever.

“But what he did, you know, everything he did was for the betterment of Celtic Football Club. Every deal, every decision that was made, it was all for the sake of the club. Always came first.”

How is Lennon faring with Dunfermline Athletic?

In March this year, Lennon was appointed manager of Scottish Championship side Dunfermline on a short-term contract.

He saved them from relegation and his reward was a permanent two-year deal.

So far this season, it hasn’t been easy for the Pars. They are nine games into the Championship campaign with Lennon at the helm but have won just two.

Dunfermline sit in 7th position ahead of tonight’s massive derby clash at home to Raith Rovers, and a victory would take them up to 6th ahead of Greenock Morton.