The 2025 Celtic AGM returned to order with Peter Lawwell stepping forward to address the room directly, taking on the role that is usually occupied by the manager during these sessions.
With Brendan Rodgers having resigned weeks earlier, that responsibility shifted to the chairman, placing him at the centre of the most scrutinised part of the morning.
The hall remained tense as Lawwell began outlining the board’s position. His remarks came against the backdrop of a difficult year, with supporters wary of the club’s recruitment strategy, the Champions League collapse and the uncertainty created by the managerial upheaval. The atmosphere made clear that the room was ready to judge the board’s explanations carefully when the formal Q&A eventually opened.
Before questions from shareholders began, Lawwell moved to address the issues head-on. He acknowledged the pressure surrounding the club but framed the board’s recent decisions within a wider track record of financial stability and domestic success. His tone suggested an effort to steady the room before more detailed scrutiny could begin.
There was an evident attempt to set the narrative early, to outline the board’s viewpoint before shareholders had their chance to interrogate it. With many in attendance anticipating a robust exchange later in the meeting, Lawwell sought to create a foundation for the discussion to come. His stance was one of partial acceptance, coupled with a firm defence of the club’s broader direction.
“We recognise we’ve made mistakes but in terms of board record we’ve not done a bad job.”
His comment drew a mixed response from the room. Some shareholders listened in silence, while others shifted in their seats, clearly unconvinced. The defence of the board’s overall performance highlighted the divide between the club’s leadership and a section of the support who feel recent missteps have overshadowed past success.
Britain Football Soccer – Celtic – Brendan Rodgers Press Conference – Celtic Park – 23/5/16
New Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with chief executive Peter Lawwell (L) during the press conference
Reuters / Russell Cheyne
With Rodgers no longer present to offer his own perspective, Lawwell’s remarks carried added weight. Supporters have spent months questioning the alignment between the board and the football department, and the chairman’s decision to frame the board’s record in largely positive terms left many waiting to see whether the later Q&A would probe more deeply into the issues that have caused unrest.
As the session moved forward, it was clear that Lawwell’s opening defence set the tone for a meeting that would grapple with far more than routine governance. The room remained alert, ready for the moment when shareholders would finally have the chance to put their concerns directly to the top table.
