Ronny Deila believes that Celtic fans should be grateful to have Peter Lawwell at the helm of the club.
Lawwell took over from Ian McLeod in 2003 and is without doubt the power-broker in all matters Celtic.
In 2014 it was the chief executive that identified Deila as the man to take Celtic up to a new level but after admitting to six months without any improvement the former Stromsgodset boss decided to quit.
Lawwell’s reign has seen Celtic downsize in most areas but as he prepares to appoint another manager Deila is convinced that his boss is the man to take the hoops forward.
“It’s been an unbelievable record for trophies,” the current hoops boss claimed. “In Peter’s time I think there have been nine league wins in 13 years and 7 or 8 times in the Champions League.
“I’ve had a fantastic relationship with Peter. He’s a tough leader. He’s very experienced and fair. When he came in here the club was broke. That’s important to remember, with a big, big financial problem.
“Now he’s on big boards like the European Club Association because he’s done a fantastic job. He gets offers from other big clubs because they know what he can do.”
Deila interpretation of events seems a little at odds with reality with seven Champions League campaigns in 13 years not particularly special.
For the first two years of his time as chief executive Lawwell was barely heard as Martin O’Neill dealt hands on with contract matters with Alan Thompson, Chris Sutton, Bobo Balde and Paul Lambert were given lucrative new deals that provided the club with little return.
Since O’Neill’s departure Lawwell’s influence has grown significantly with income largely stagnant while attendances drop for a variety of reasons.