PETER Lawwell has signalled his determination to retain manager Neil Lennon and re-sign Joe Ledley and Anthony Stokes as Celtic announced a pre-tax profit of £9.74m for the year ended in June.
"It would take something special to lure him away," the chief executive said of the manager who has led the club to the group stages of the Champions League in consecutive seasons. "This is a special club. It's a special job. If I was advising him as a friend, it would have to be something really different," Lawwell said of Lennon's prospects.
He was speaking as figures showed group revenue increased by 47.7% to £75.82m, compared with £51.34m in 2012, and the club report cash in the bank of £3.76m against £2.77m debt in 2012. Income was boosted by Champions League participation last season and Ki Sung-Yueng's £6.1m transfer to Swansea City. The period does not cover the sales of Victor Wanyama, Gary Hooper and Kelvin Wilson for a total of around £20m or the entry into the Champions League Group stages for 2013/14.
"We are in a good place," Lawwell said. "We have a really good financial foundation. We made £9.7m, there is no bank debt. We have got £3m in the bank. We have a great financial basis to take on the challenges playing in Scottish football will undoubtedly present in the coming years."
Lawwell and Lennon yesterday shrugged off speculation linking the manager to the vacant Sunderland job. "There's nothing in it for me," said Lennon. "I have a great job here and I'm very happy with the way things are going. Would it be difficult to walk away from this club? Of course. Plus I've got good players here. It would be a lot to give up and, to be honest, it's never really crossed my mind."
Lawwell praised Lennon as part of a team that included John Park, Chris McCart, Johan Mjallby, Garry Parker and Stevie Woods. "They are all a unit and we are all united as a club," he said. Of reports linking staff to other clubs, he added: "I guess that if you are successful then that is one of the by-products. There is a lot of intrigue about Celtic, especially down south, as to what is going on up there with the Champions League and people were even talking about the [Stiliyan] Petrov game. Therefore, as a consequence people will court your players, staff, scouts and your management. I can't really talk for Neil but, if he continues to do as he is doing, then unquestionably there will be approaches. That's inevitable."
Lawwell emphasised how his manager has bought into the model of player recruitment, development and sales, adding: "He understands the realities of being the Celtic manager and has given no indication at all that he wants to do anything else with his life. He's a Celtic guy and that is a big plus. He knows the club, he knows the city and understands football. He's a great asset to have."
Asked about particular qualities of the manager who has signed a new deal, Lawwell said: "His main skill is motivation. Players have come and gone in the summer, but he's been able to get inside the new guys and there's been no decrease with the handover. He's brilliant with players, knows the game inside out and with experience of managing in the Champions League, he's a bright guy and he's taken from that. He's maximised the benefit of the Champions League for his own career and skillbase."
The chief executive confirmed that talks were continuing to re-sign Joe Ledley and Anthony Stokes, and he is hopeful both will commit to contracts. He also confirmed Murrayfield was the likeliest venue for any second qualifying tie for the Champions League next season as Celtic Park will be hosting the opening of the Commonwealth Games.
"It's a risk," conceded Lawwell of suggestions that a change of venue may hinder the team. But he added: "We are very proud to be hosting the opening ceremony. We feel we are part of the country, part of the city."
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