TOM ALLISON has stepped down as director of the board of Celtic plc.
The 78-year-old businessman has given almost a quarter-of-a-century service to the club.
A statement from Celtic read: “Since joining the board, Tom has made an outstanding contribution to the development and success of our Club.
“Tom joined the board of Celtic as a non-executive director in September 2001, under the Chairmanship of Brian Quinn. At that time, he was chief executive of Clydeport and later oversaw its integration with Peel Holdings, of which he became chairman.
“He has been widely recognised for his contribution to business and charity over many years.
“Tom brought all his expertise and experience to bear on his role at Celtic and has been its senior independent director since 2005. The Board of Celtic thanks Tom for his contribution and we wish him well in his retirement.”
Allison said: “It has been my great pleasure to serve on the Board of Celtic for nearly twenty-five years. The transformation of our Club over that period has been enormous and it has been my privilege to be part of that journey.
“I wish our Club and our supporters every success in the future.”
The Parkhead club’s interim chairman Brian Wilson commented: “Tom joined the Celtic Board at a time of transition, and the Club has continued to benefit from his business expertise and wise counsel throughout the intervening years.
“All of us who have known Tom as a friend and colleague deeply appreciate his contribution and extend our best wishes for the future.”
Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s non-executive director and principal shareholder, added: “Tom has made an enormous personal contribution to Celtic.
“He has been a key advisor to me at all stages and brought his wisdom to the many challenges which arose over the years. Tom is a person of vision, and he has brought that vision to all his endeavours.
“The wisdom and experience that Tom brought to the Board is unmatched and irreplaceable. I am indebted to him for his wholehearted commitment to our Club.”
Former chief executive Peter Lawwell also left his role as chairman at the champions at the turn of the year.
There have been changes in management, too, in a turbulent season with Brendan Rodgers leaving in late October.
Ex-team chief Martin O’Neill, who originally left the post in the summer of 2005, took over in a caretaker capacity until Wilfried Nancy got the job on a permanent basis.
However, after six defeats in eight games over a catastrophic 33-day period, was sacked at the beginning of January and O’Neill took over for a second time in an interim role until the end of the campaign.
The Irishman is currently preparing his squad for the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday.
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