Celtic

Celtic turn another 100 million, Lawwell says money will be spent

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Celtic have again turned over 100 million pounds for the year up until June 30 with the Champions again showing they are head and shoulder above out opposition, at least off the field.

Before the obvious questions will be asked of where the money is for the playing squad, Lawwell has stated that money will be available to improve the team.

It is hoped that this will begin in January, as it is we look a few players short after a tired performance against St. Mirren showed that our lack of investment in first team players made us look predictable and without a plan B.

The game against Rosenborg will be very interesting, it is a game Celtic expect to win and anything but 3 points will lead to more questions about the champions potential to defend their crown, let alone progress in Europe.

Speaking in the Scotsman, Lawwell said:

“Our objective is always to bring players to the club who will improve the squad,” said Lawwell. “Given the quality of our existing squad that is a challenging task, made more difficult by hyperinflation in transfer fees and player salaries in the market.

“Nevertheless, our objective is to invest everything that we can into the football operation without putting the club at risk.

“The club recognises that success on the pitch leads to success off the pitch, which is why the board is committed to investing in our football operations. Our ambition remains to create a world class football club.

“Our success on the pitch this year has allowed us to commit, not only to fees for the transfer of player registrations (£16.6m, rising from £13.8m in 2017), but also to player, football management, coaching, recruitment, medical, performance, sports science and the youth academy costs.

“Total labour costs in 2018 increased by £7.1m, from £52.2m in 2017 to £59.3m (14%), largely due to increases in the football department. This has allowed the club to retain key football personnel including Kristoffer Ajer, Kieran Tierney, Calum McGregor, Tom Rogic and Leigh Griffiths on long term contracts.

“We continue to search the world for talented players to play the Celtic way, such as Odsonne Edouard who joined the club for a club record transfer fee. Player recruitment and development continues to be fundamental to the club.”

It is all well and good to complain about hyperinflation, but it is a double-edged sword and one from which we have profited from with the sale of Dembele, who would not have been worth the money we received a few years ago.

Whilst our wages have increased, our playing squad hasn’t and it will be interesting to see if the board backs Brendan during the January window.

There is no point in having millions in the bank and not winning trophies that we should be walking when we compare our finances to the opposition, both above and below us as things stand.

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