Former Celtic CEO Peter Lawwell will return to Parkhead as non-executive chairman at the beginning of January, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Lawwell left Celtic in 2021

The 63-year-old took up his role of CEO at Parkhead back in 2003 and remained the position until 2021, overseeing numerous different managers and trophy successes.

Lawwell stepped down last year, with Dominic McKay briefly replacing him in a role now occupied by Michael Nicholson, and it was unknown if he would return to the Premiership champions in a high-profile capacity again, having represented them at times since.

The answer to that question has since been confirmed, following a significant update from a reliable source.

The Latest: Celtic return confirmed

Taking to Twitter, Joseph confirmed that Lawwell would step into a new behind-the-scenes role at Celtic from January 1st, taking up the position of non-executive chairman.

The Sky journalist tweeted:

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The Verdict: Good decision by Celtic?

Like any CEO, Lawwell always had his admirers and detractors down the years but the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to this news.

He knows Celtic inside out as a club, and his vast experience and passion can help the Hoops to continue being well-run during this successful period under Ange Postecoglou.

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Lawwell clearly won't have the power that he once did, but replacing the retiring Ian Bankier in the role could bring a freshness to proceedings, with his Celtic-supporting background certainly likely to be a help as he would have the club's best interests at heart.