Lawwell and Desmond Missing from Key Match

Peter Lawwell and Ross Desmond were posted missing from Celtic’s visit to St Mirren.

Comfy seats, pre and post match hospitality were on offer but the duo that dominated the 2025 AGM had better things to do on a Saturday night.

Chairman Lawwell was unable to keep his anger under control at the AGM, adjourning after just four minutes.

Once it restarted Desmond Junior was given the microphone to deliver a scathing attack on the Celtic support.

ROSS DESMOND

That speech was met with a mixture of jeering and laughter. The laughter was when Desmond Junior referenced the European success delivered under his Dad’s influence.

Before he could end his speech Lawwell stepped in, ending the AGM after less than an hour that included the adjournment.

Ross had defended his Dad’s Celtic credentials. That will be the shareholder that played in the Dunhill Cup while failing to attend the home matches against Braga and Motherwell.

Turning to the men beside him on the podium Ross said:

Our board, led by Peter, and our executive, led by Michael, are dedicated to the Celtic people. The attempts to dehumanise and vilify them are shameful. These are people with families; they love the club every bit as much as anyone here, and when we are not performing, they suffer just as much as anyone. They work tirelessly, often under intense pressure. They do an outstanding job for this club, and we are very lucky to have them.

Away to St Mirren, Nicholson was without the big hitters. Surrounded only by the usual cronies and hangers on.

SUPPORT CAST

Chris McKay appears to have replaced Lawwell as Nicholson’s support mechanism, present at every match with a haunted look.

Brian Wilson was the only other director at the match. As a former politician he will show up anywhere for a freebie. On the board for over 20 years he has never questioned any decision taken by the club. His Guardian obituary of Walter Smith summed him up.

Tony Hamilton is the CEO of the Celtic Foundation, like Wilson he barely misses a freebie. Hamilton is passionate about poverty.

Iain Jamieson has over 25 years ‘service’ to his name. Currently he has the title of Communications Manager which largely consists of pandering to his friends in newspapers.

Tom Boyd is a club Ambassador and genuine good guy. He turned 60 on Friday and understands the club and support more than the entire board combined.

Mark Hargreaves is the recently installed Security Chief, moving on from Police Scotland. His remit is the ‘safety of Celtic fans’.

There were protests throughout the match from the away support as they watched another turgid display unfold in front of them.

MCGREGOR SAVES THE DAY

In 90 minutes Celtic never managed an effort on target. In stoppage time there was one half hearted attempt that Shamal George was able to bend down and collect.

Fortunately for all there was one moment of class. In the third minute of stoppage time Callum McGregor forced the issue.

Taking a pass from Colby Donovan he worked the ball into a central position then lashed a full on left foot drive across George into the top corner of the goal.

The relief was obvious. The captain ran towards the fans, on the touchline Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney were ecstatic.

Relief was probably the reaction in the comfy seats. There was briefly a news line out of Celtic away from the failings of the boardroom. But that is only temporary.

There are two more away games before the festive season opens up at home to Dundee on December 3. It promises to be the coldest of winters at Celtic Park. Lawwell will put in a few appearances, Ross Desmond will follow his Dad’s example.