Peter Lawwell exudes a lively enthusiasm when reminiscing about Celtic from his childhood days.

He vividly recalls his grandmother, who was passionate about the team, sitting eagerly by the television to watch the classic Hoops matches in black and white.

His mother encouraged her sons’ enthusiasm by providing them with footballs, jerseys, and the tracksuit Lawwell donned while standing among the fans to witness the European Cup being proudly displayed around the stadium. Born on May 27, eight years before the Lisbon triumph, young Lawwell watched in wonder.

The true story lies in his dedication, remarkable work ethic, and flourishing career as an accountant.

Eventually, he ascended to become a significant figure in Celtic’s legacy. Although some may object, seasoned Celtic supporters understand the impact he made.

Peter Lawwell helped transform Celtic into Scotland’s biggest club during his tenure as chief executive before returning as chairman

Lawwell with Scott Brown and Kolo Toure celebrating another cup success in 2016

Lawwell with Lisbon Lions Tommy Gemmell, Bertie Auld, Jim Craig and Billy McNeill

Even in the extraordinary scenes of 1967, even in the heyday of the first nine-in-a-row, Celtic as a club and a support felt marginalised by society and that included the football authorities.

Consistent, thrilling success on the field never fully banished this perception. Lawwell swept it away in two decades. Celtic became the biggest club in the country in terms of football success, stadium size, money in the bank and political influence. 

This was a revolution. Lawwell led it with a mixture of political savvy, clever strategy and the financial nous that befits a qualified accountant.

In the civil war that seems to consume Celtic, I am a Lawwellist. This is not to indulge in hagiography. His sins, perceived and actual, will dominate discussions of his tenure. They have been addressed exhaustively in articles and on social media.

However, it is extraordinary that his achievements will be dismissed by critics. This is an unashamed attempt to redress that situation.

In Marseille a few weeks ago, I struggled to explain the crisis at Celtic to French journalists.

‘They have won the title 13 out of 14?’

‘Oui’

‘They have millions in the bank?’

‘Oui’

‘So what is the problem?’

The answer could be written by a thousand people with a thousand different takes. There has been a distinct sniffiness about conspicuous financial success among a section of the support. There has been unrest at money lying in the bank as transfer windows pass. The ultras have been indulged and then banned.

Europe has been a constant sore. But the world has changed since young Peter stood watching the Lions in 1967. There are about six clubs who could win a Champions League now. None ply their trade outside the big five leagues.

There is, though, a strong case for Celtic to make a dent in the Europa League. Domestic dominance and occasional European glory is a hard act to accomplish. Defeats abroad frustrated some of the support, though others took a more pragmatic approach.

This season, Lawwell, Dermot Desmond and Michael Nicholson have all come under fire

The story can be told on the road from Seville. There is a section of the support that insists Celtic should have ‘kicked on’ from this near miss against a Porto team who went on to win the Champion League the following year.

The reality, though, is that Celtic were nursing the wounds of losses and a wage bill worthy of an EPL team. This is where Lawwell showed his strengths. 

He employed Gordon Strachan, who was aware of the financial imperatives, and Celtic went from Chris Sutton to Chris Killen while hewing out the success that was soon to turn to dominance, marked by a season of invincibility.

He also made Celtic a political force. There was the cry from opponents that ‘Lawwell ran Scottish football’. 

One would not need to be a Celtic historian to have a chuckle at the thought of a club who were regularly at odds with the SFA now being accused of charting its course. Another one for the Celtic grandas.

Lawwell, though, was the consummate operator in football. He was known to be strong, even ruthless. The Machiavellian maxim of being feared rather than loved would, perhaps, have met his approval. But he was always concerned about how Celtic could prosper. The club did. That is irrefutable.

In an era where major Scottish clubs faced existential crisis – where his rivals were liquidated – Celtic embraced a blanket of financial security.

This, ironically, brought criticism. The money in the bank became a weapon with which to hit the board over the head, particularly when Champions League qualification was not achieved.

Recruitment was another cudgel that was swung recklessly. Yet it remains a strange accusation. Yes, Celtic have bought ‘duds’. But the financial success in the market is in a series of annual reports. It is there in black and white. Celtic have a successful player trading model.

Lawwell and Nicholson welcome Brendan Rodgers back to the club in 2023… but that turned sour this season

Lawwell has watched such as Virgil Van Dijk, Shunsuke Nakamura, Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard, Jeremie Frimpong and Matt O’Riley come through the door and prosper before being sold for substantial profit. The strategy was an outstanding success in the balance book and on the field in Scotland.

The criticism, though, was always there. It was a constant hum. Lawwell never courted popularity and made the tough decisions. He was never going to be reckless on finances. 

He was the chief executive and then the chairman of a public limited company. He was also an individual who had watched the effects of a lack of financial responsibility at other clubs, including one across the Clyde.

One mischievous thought occurs in this context. How would Rangers have fared under a brown-brogued Lawwell from 2012?

Instead, Lawwell was wedded to the club he loved. He did not pursue approaches from Liverpool and Arsenal back in the day. He was happy – not content – at Celtic. Contentment was not a state of mind he sought. 

His satisfaction was in making decisions, shaping policy and driving the club forward. The role as chairman was not tailored to fit. Lawwell at Celtic was never an armchair general, more an officer leading the club over the top.

This approach invited flak and provided enemies. He was always comfortable with both. The threats to his family dismayed him, however. He has stood outside a burning home with his family, including a grandchild. 

It is difficult to ignore threats when these scenes flicker in the psyche. The scenes, detailed yesterday by Michael Nicholson, chief executive, of employees being assaulted outside the ground on Sunday are shameful and deeply worrying.

Lawwell’s decision to stand down is thus deeply understandable, but what next?

The boy on the terrace of ‘67 vintage is now a man of 66. It is speculation, as he has not outlined any plans, but it is difficult to see him retiring to the golf course or flicking through a catalogue for a pair of slippers. 

A section of the Celtic support campaigned vigorously against the Parkhead board

He has considerable energy and his work with the European Clubs Association, now rebranded as European Football Clubs, brought him to the top tablel. He prospered there as vice-chairman at a time when clubs and UEFA were and are involved in a titanic power play. He will be coveted by other clubs.

It will be fascinating to see where he goes from Parkhead. The reaction to his departure has followed pre-ordained lines. I am aware that I am part of this entrenched response as a Lawwellist.

The febrile atmosphere surrounding the club means that nuance has gone the way of the tanner ba’ player. However, there may be a more measured, accepted appraisal in time.

Fergus McCann, the saviour of the club, was famously booed when he returned to unfurl the championship flag. He is now revered as a club hero.

Lawwell might never attain that status. But he deserves to be remembered as someone who led Celtic to unprecedented success and substantial political influence. He has helped ensure Celtic’s future, no matter the challenges.

There may be no calls for a statue. But Lawwell stands as one of the most significant figures in the club’s history. There will be those who shout loudly at this assertion. It is true.