jun2007

23rd June 2007

Massimo Donati from AC Milan to Celtic FC

CELTIC Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Massimo Donati from AC Milan.

The 26-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year contract with the Scottish Champions, subject to a medical, which will take place in Glasgow early next week.

The signing of Donati from the UEFA Champions League holders is a fantastic coup for Celtic, with several other Italian clubs having been interested in the player.

And Donati becomes Gordon Strachan’s fourth signing of the close season, joining Scott Brown, Scott McDonald and Chris Killen at Celtic Park.

Massimo Donati began his career at Atalanta before a £10million deal took him to the San Siro in 2001.

In recent seasons he has had loan spells at a number of Serie A clubs, including Parma, Torino and Sampdoria, and last season was a regular for Atalanta.

A Celtic spokesperson said: "We are delighted that Massimo has signed for the Club.

"He is a player of real quality and we're sure he will be a great addition to our squad."

20th June 2007

Celtic funds taxis outing to Troon

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FOR the ninth consecutive year the Celtic Charity Fund is proud to support the hugely successful annual Glasgow Taxis Outing Fund for Sick Children.

The Charity Fund made a donation of £7,000 to fund the day out to Troon and Celtic legend Danny McGrain was on hand, along with club mascot Hoopy the Huddle Hound, to send the Taxis Outing on its way.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “It is with great pleasure that we are again able to offer our full support to this extremely worthwhile charity.

“This annual event continues to go from strength to strength and we are delighted to be a part of its success.

“I also think praise is due to the volunteers who work tirelessly to make this day one to remember for the many highly deserving children and families involved.”

Celtic Charity Fund, formed in 1995, is the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club and has raised around £1.5million, supporting many worthwhile causes.

The Glasgow Taxis Outing Fund, established in 1945, aims to provide a day of excitement when around 600 children with special needs and a group of underprivileged children are taken by around 250 of Glasgow's taxis on a day trip to remember.

The event begins with the black cabs departing from the West End of Glasgow. The procession then makes its way to Troon, where the action is centred around fun-packed activities for the children.

15th June 2007

Celtic's Chief Executive speaks out

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell insists the club are not engaged in an Old Firm transfer war with Rangers.

The SPL champions beat their Old Firm rivals to sign Scott Brown from Hibernian for £4.4m.

Both clubs have also expressed an interest in Kilmarnock's 20-year-old striker Steven Naismith.

But Lawwell said: "It's inevitable both Old Firm clubs will try to sign the best talent in Scotland. It shouldn't surprise anyone. There's no war."

Celtic have signed Brown, former Motherwell striker Scott McDonald and are battling Rangers to sign Naismith.

However, Lawwell said Celtic were not locked in a transfer battle.

"The fact Celtic and Rangers go for top players in Scotland shouldn't surprise anyone," said Lawwell.

"The nature of the transfer market nowadays means we are focusing more on domestic-based players.

"There's no war. I read somewhere that Celtic were 'at war' with Rangers over Steven Naismith, and that's just nonsense."

Lawwell said Celtic were interested in Naismith, but had yet to make an offer.

Reports in Italy suggested Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was preparing a £5m raid for Serie A players Gennaro Delvecchio and Massimo Donati.

Celtic's chief executive would not be drawn on specific targets, but said: "We know the positions we want to strengthen.

"We have a number of targets and we will go out and try to deliver them to Gordon."

12th June 2007

FORMER Celtic captain Neil Lennon has today signed for Nottingham Forest.

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The Irishman, who won 11 trophies in seven seasons with Celtic, brought the curtain down on a glittering Hoops career in style at the end of the last campaign – leading Gordon Strachan’s men to the double.

Several clubs in England had expressed an interest in his services but 35-year-old Lennon has agreed a one-year deal with Colin Calderwood’s League One side and will now continue his career at the City Ground.

Peter Lawwell, Celtic Chief Executive, said: "Everybody at Celtic Football Club would like to thank Neil for his immense contribution over the last seven seasons.

"We wish him all the very best for the future and we are sure he will be a great success at Nottingham Forest."