Celtic chief has resigned as Dermot Desmond praises the ‘irreplaceable’ individual departing after 25 years.

A significant change has taken place behind the scenes at Celtic, with long-serving director Tom Allison stepping down after an extensive period of service spanning 25 years. His departure marks the end of an era at the club, prompting heartfelt tributes from key figures, including principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, who described Allison as “irreplaceable” in recognition of his contributions.

Allison, who had been part of the Celtic board since 2001 in a non-executive capacity, confirmed on Wednesday that he would be leaving his role with immediate effect. Over more than two decades, he became a familiar and influential presence within the club’s leadership structure, playing a key role in guiding its direction during a period of considerable change and development.

His exit comes at a time when supporters have been increasingly vocal about the need for adjustments at boardroom level. Despite those calls, Celtic have yet to formally appoint a permanent chairman, with Brian Wilson continuing in the role on an interim basis. The broader context of ongoing governance discussions adds further weight to Allison’s departure, as the club navigates a transitional phase off the pitch.

Beyond his responsibilities at Celtic, Allison built a distinguished career in the business world. He served as chief executive of Clydeport PLC and also held the position of executive director at Peel Holdings PLC. His experience in these roles brought valuable expertise to Celtic’s board, particularly in areas relating to strategic planning and financial oversight. Having initially joined during the tenure of former chairman Brian Quinn, Allison went on to become a trusted adviser to Peter Lawwell throughout Lawwell’s time at the club.

Following confirmation of his retirement, Celtic issued a statement acknowledging the scale of his impact, highlighting what they described as an “outstanding contribution” to both the growth and achievements of the club over the years. His influence extended beyond routine board duties, with his insights and guidance shaping key decisions during pivotal moments in the club’s history.

Desmond paid a particularly glowing tribute, emphasizing the depth of Allison’s involvement and the importance of his counsel. He noted that Allison had played a crucial role as a personal adviser, offering support and perspective through various challenges faced by the club. According to Desmond, Allison consistently demonstrated vision and brought that quality to every aspect of his work, helping Celtic navigate complex situations and maintain stability.

Desmond further underlined the uniqueness of Allison’s contribution, stating that the level of wisdom and experience he brought to the board could not be matched. He expressed personal gratitude for Allison’s dedication, describing himself as indebted to the former director for his unwavering commitment and service over such a long period.

In his own statement, Allison reflected on his time at Celtic with a sense of pride and appreciation. He described it as a privilege to have served on the board for nearly a quarter of a century, noting the significant transformation the club has undergone during that time. From structural changes to on-field success, Allison acknowledged the progress made and expressed satisfaction at having played a part in that journey. He concluded by extending his best wishes to both the club and its supporters for continued success in the years ahead.

Interim chairman Wilson also offered his perspective on Allison’s departure, highlighting the timing of his arrival and the consistency of his influence ever since. He pointed out that Allison joined during a period of transition and remained a steady and reliable figure throughout subsequent years. Wilson credited him with providing invaluable business insight and thoughtful guidance, qualities that earned him the respect of colleagues across the organization.

He added that those who had the opportunity to work closely with Allison, whether as friends or professional associates, held him in high regard. On behalf of the board, Wilson conveyed collective appreciation for Allison’s contributions and extended warm wishes for his future following his retirement.

Allison’s departure represents more than just the exit of a long-serving director; it signifies the conclusion of a chapter in Celtic’s modern history. His tenure coincided with major developments both on and off the pitch, and his role in shaping the club’s trajectory has been widely acknowledged. As Celtic continue to evolve and address calls for change within their leadership structure, the absence of such an experienced and influential figure will undoubtedly be felt.

The tributes from Desmond, Wilson, and the club itself reflect the high esteem in which Allison is held, underscoring the lasting impact of his work over 25 years of dedicated service.