Lawwell D:reaming of better things to come

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell is on the charm offensive to encourage disappointed fans that things can only get better. He has written a letter to season ticket holders in which he "sincerely apologised" for an "unacceptable" season. Understandably, he wants the fans to sign-up for another season ticket as the clubsearch for a permanent successor to Tony Mowbray after Neil Lennon ended his interim reign with eight consecutive league wins.

Lawwell wrote: "This season has been one of the most difficult we have experienced in recent years. The club set out with great optimism at the start of the season, with a new management team and with the objective of refreshing the first-team squad and regaining the Scottish Premier League. These changes did not deliver the success we hoped for and ultimately, this season has been unacceptable. For this, we sincerely apologise."

Lawwell urged Celtic fans to help the club regain the SPL title from Rangers by renewing their season tickets, which have been frozen in price. Success on that front, however, could be defined by the outcome of Celtic's search for a new manager. Lennon is understood to be hopeful but not optimistic about his chances of getting the job on a permanent basis while Scotland manager Craig Levein has declined to comment on further speculation linking him with the post.

Lawwell went on: "Our illustrious history has had many highs and lows. We must now move on. We must go forward together as the united Celtic family which has been so formidable in the past. The disappointment of this season has only made everyone at the club even more determined to ensure that we get back to doing what Celtic does best - winning football matches and, ultimately, winning trophies. That can be best achieved if we all work together. Your unique and faithful support is the great and enduring strength of Celtic Football Club."