By Kieran Maguire

17th Dec, 2022 | 5:40pm

Kieran Maguire salutes Peter Lawwell after 'dramatic' Celtic update

Peter Lawwwell was “underappreciated” during his first spell at Celtic but is now finally getting the respect he deserves.

That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Hoops’ decision to bring Lawwell back into the fold.

Lawwell, under whom Celtic won 13 titles, stepped down as chairman 18 months ago after a season that saw the Hoops relinquish their nine-year hold on the Scottish Premiership title.

There was also heavy criticism of Lawwell’s decision to take the squad and coaching staff on a warm-weather training camp in Dubai during a period of Covid restrictions.

But the club announced on 2 December that the 63-year-old would replace Ian Bankier following his retirement in January.

Maguire claims that Lawell’s “dramatic” return to the Celtic boardroom is a sign that Lawwell’s talents are now being recognised.

“Peter Lawwell was always seen as a safe pair of hands,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.

“He was well remunerated for that but he delivered in the sense that the club has a financial advantage over every other club in Scotland.

“What’s more, that is true both in terms of its matchday income and commercial revenues as well.

“This is an area where clubs, especially Rangers, are trying to catch up.

“Lawwell coming back is indicative that he was underappreciated in certain areas of the club. Now, they realise just what a significant contribution he made, hence this dramatic decision to bring him back.”

In other news, pundit claims Celtic in “desperate” position after Giorgos Giakoumakis transfer update.