CHIEF Executive Peter Lawwell believes Celtic are in their strongest-ever financial position after the announcement of plans for a multi-million pound development near the stadium.
The £18million project is set to feature a hotel and museum while also creating a new ticket office and retail store.
Lawwell reckons the Hoops’ finances are as healthy as they have ever been, citing focus on a long-term approach as the key reason behind its success on and off the pitch.
He said: “We feel that the strategy we’ve employed for a number of years now is working.
“I think in football if you are acting on short-term issues, you lose. You’ve got to keep focused, keep the blinkers on and look to the long term. I think that’s paying off for us now.
“I would say if you look at the balance sheet we’re probably in the strongest position we’ve ever been.”
The Glasgow side were boosted by a near-£30million windfall as they qualified for this season’s Champions League and recently revealed pre-tax profits had rocketed to £6.9million.
The Hoops supremo reckons the financial surge will benefit the entire surrounding area, but questioned whether the club receive enough credit for the impact they have on the city.
He added: “We’re committed to developing Celtic Park and the east end of Glasgow for the benefit of everyone, not just our own supporters.
“I think the hotel fits the area and it fits for Glasgow.
“We probably don’t get the recognition or the praise, if you like, for the economic impact that we have on Glasgow and the west of Scotland. And, indeed, the cultural and social impact, as well.
“There are a lot of positives around Celtic and a lot of positives around football that we don’t naturally seem to be recognised for.”
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