Lawwell has no regrets

Hoops chief spurned Arsenal advance

Last updated: 17th October 2008

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Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell insists he made the right decision by spurning a lucrative move to Arsenal.

The Gunners headhunted the Hoops supremo, naming him on a two-man shortlist with Vodafone's Paul Donovan.

The Premier League side were looking to replace the departed Keith Edelman at Emirates Stadium.

However, Lawell claims his allegiance to Celtic was too strong and has pledged his long-term future to the Scottish club.

Honoured

"I was flattered and honoured to be associated with a club like Arsenal," he said.

"I think it's a compliment to the club (Celtic) as well as myself.

"I'm committed to Celtic and I thank the chairman, Dermot Desmond and the other board members for their support over that period.

"It was clearly a massive decision for me to make personally but I've no doubt I made the right decision.

"I'm committed to Celtic, Celtic is my club, and I look forward to hopefully being part of Celtic for many years to come.

"I don't think I would describe the decision as heart or head.

"There was a lot to take into account and, at the end of the day, staying with Celtic is what I wanted to do. It's my club."

Pride

Celtic chairman John Reid backed Lawwell's decision and, speaking after Friday's annual general meeting at Parkhead, added: "It was also what the board, the supporters and the shareholders wanted, let's just make that plain.

"I think it is a matter of pride at Celtic that we have people at the executive level that other very big international clubs want.

"That's what happens when you've got success. I can't say it was a surprise but Peter is a hugely valued member of this club and this team, a very important part of it.

"We are delighted that Peter is here and continues to be an important part of building success for the future the way he has been over the last few years.

"I think it speaks for itself - Peter has been such a successful chief executive here that one of the few top clubs in the English Premier League decided they would like him to be chief executive.

"We knew Peter's heart was here. He's a Celtic man, he remains a Celtic man, and I'm delighted with that."