Lennon defends Desmond and Lawwell amid Celtic criticism

Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond. <i>(Image: Stuart Wallace / Shutterstock)</i>
Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond. (Image: Stuart Wallace / Shutterstock)
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Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has defended Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell.

Lennon, who managed the club across two spells, responded to criticism of majority shareholder Desmond and non-executive chairman Lawwell.

He said [SunSport]: "I think it’s unnecessary, I don’t agree with it.

"Dermot is a genius, for me.

"Not just from a sporting point of view, but an intellectual point of view."


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Lennon highlighted Desmond's success and forward thinking, praising his support of Irish sportsmen.

He said: "He’s very successful, hugely successful, probably the most successful man I’ve ever come across, in terms of what he’s earned and generated and built in his career.

"He is very forward thinking, always looking to the future."

Despite admitting to disagreements with Lawwell, Lennon praised the 66-year-old's business acumen.

He said: "Peter is not only a great administrator but very astute.

"I fell out with him loads of times, as you would do, over deals or contracts or whatever.

"But everything he did was for the betterment of Celtic Football Club.

"Every deal, every decision made, the club always came first."

Lennon also commended the pair's role in the club's success since 2000.

He said: "I think they’ve brought great success.

"They’ve fought many battles for the club — many battles they’ve won against the odds.

"I just think the success the club has had since 2000 has been incredible.

"The amount of titles, Champions League, the Uefa Cup final, player trading, the money the club has, how well-run and sustainable the club is."

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