Peter Lawwell 'frontrunner' to be next Celtic chairman as search for Ian Bankier successor begins

Former Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell is reportedly the leading candidate to succeed Ian Bankier as the club's next chairman.

The 63-year-old retired from his previous role which he held for for 17 years during a period where the Parkhead side proved the dominant force in Scottish football. Bankier is calling time on his own stewardship after 11 years in position after he succeeded John Reid as the club's chairman. And the Daily Mail state Lawwell is the frontrunner for a return to his former club.

Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond paid Bankier a glowing tribute after his impending exit on January 1, 2023 was announced on Friday. He said: "I would like to thank Ian sincerely for his contribution to Celtic across the past decade,' said Desmond. 'Ian has provided great counsel and stability across a sustained period of growth and success for the club and I wish Ian and his family well for the future. We will ensure that we work very closely with Ian over the next few months to deliver a smooth and effective transition prior to announcing his successor."

And the outgoing chairman admitted his pride over his reign, stating: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the club I will always love, as chairman, for more than ten years. Our aim was always to deliver success on and off the pitch and, above all, to give Celtic fans a club they could be proud of. 'During this time, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many fantastic people who have had Celtic in their hearts and worked so hard for our club.

"I know the rest of the board will continue to seek the very best for Celtic at all times and will seek to ensure that Celtic maintains its position as the biggest and best club in Scottish