Celtic: Mark Lawwell stands down as head of scouting and recruitment

Mark Lawwell has stood down after two years as Celtic’s head of first-team scouting and recruitment.

But the recruitment team has come in for some criticism following recent transfer activity.

Now Celtic have announced Lawwell and lead first-team scout Joe Didgeon are leaving “to pursue fresh challenges”.

“Mark and Joe will be on a period of gardening leave,” Celtic said.

Brendan Rodgers has expressed frustration at the lack of quality additions to his squad since returning for a second spell as manager, but stated: “As part of the club’s recruitment team, Mark and Joe have worked tirelessly to bring success to Celtic.”

Chief executive Michael Nicholson added: “Everyone at Celtic thanks Mark and Joe for their contribution and dedication to the club and we wish them both every success moving forward.”

Lawwell had spent 10 years with the City Group, rising to become head of scouting and recruitment within the global structure that includes Manchester City, Girona and Yokohama F Marinos.

He worked closely with Postecoglou at the Japanese club and followed the Australian to Celtic Park in the summer of 2022.

However, Postecoglou left for Tottenham Hotspur last summer and now Lawwell has also left the Scottish champions.