Celtic’s non-executive director Tom Allison has stepped down from the Board of Celtic plc. It was announced on Wednesday on the club’s official website.

He spent almost 25 years on the board which some Celtic fans thought was far too long. In business non executive directors would normally serve between 6 to 9 years.

He joined the Celtic board in 2001. He said “It has been my great pleasure to serve on the Board of Celtic for nearly twenty-five years.  The transformation of our Club over that period has been enormous and it has been my privilege to be part of that journey.  I wish our Club and our supporters every success in the future.”

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Tom is the second board member to step down this season after Peter Lawell stood down as club Chairman earlier in the season.

When he arrived at the club Martin O’Neill was Celtic manager and Celtic were competing in Europe and signing players like John Hartson and Chris Sutton proven goal scorers in the English Premier League.

During almost 25 years he has seen Celtic dominate Scottish Football and Rangers go bust. The opening of Lennoxtown and redevelopment of Barrowfield. He leaves the club during a season of turmoil both on and off the pitch.

Was the FOOTBALL club in a better place in 2001 when he was appointed to the position than it is now? I think so and I am sure many will agree with me including Martin O’Neill.

Enjoy your retirement Tom.

Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast 

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The Green Brigade returned to take up their rightful place in the North Curve section of the ground they unfurled a banner before the game “Everyone has their particular part to play” . They did play a big part in creating noise and colour for over 90 minutes. From my viewing point in the main stand I noticed there was not a heavy Police presence visual near the section.

The Bhoys Ultras in their corner of the stadium also brought the noise and like the GB sang for 90 minutes. The scene was set before kick off! A sold out Celtic Park, the Fields of Athenry being belted out, scarfs above our heads and the players come out of the huddle to a big cheer. The sun was shining it was game on. 3pm football on a Saturday as it should be.

Celtic had to do the business to keep in touch with leaders Hearts who also kicked off at the traditional football kick off time. One eye was on the phone screen to see how they were doing it turned out they won 3-1. Motherwell had took the lead on the 50 minute but could not hold on but its all about what Celtic do and they held out for a 1-0 unconvincing win.

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Alex Oxlade Chamberlain kept his place in midfield and paid the managers faith in sticking with him with the winning goal. He also picked up the man of the match award which would have been a hard pick for the sponsors because no one performed to levels required to win the title.

A former player commented to me over a half time pie and Bovril that he did not think Celtic played friendly games in April. That just about summed up the game. We sat for 90 minutes waiting for some excitement but apart from the goal and the relief of 3 points at full time it was a poor game.

At times Martin O’Neill cut a frustrated figure on the sideline but he did get the win and after the game he said “The energy levels concern me a bit, we didn’t seem to have that. “For long periods in the second half, St Mirren were in control. However, we dug in and defended strongly to keep the clean sheet.”

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It was not pretty but it was 3 points and a clean sheet but if we are to progress in the Scottish Cup next week we will need to see improvement throughout the team. Likewise if we are to win the league the players will need to show more desire and find the energy that was lacking on Saturday.

All our thoughts now turn to Hampden next Sunday and another encounter with St. Mirren at the national stadium and chance to banish the League Cup final defeat earlier in the season.

Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes & Host of the Celtic Soul Podcast

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Another 48 page More than 90 Minutes comes out today packed with articles and opinions. Lisbon Lion Jim Craig graces the front cover after the recent launch of his Govan Foundation.

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This week’s announcement of the imminent return of the Green Brigade to Celtic Park promises to lift the stadium on Saturday against St Mirren, and with six league games left we all need to come together and get fully behind the team to help drive them over the line in the title race. Given the position the team is in and the importance of retaining our championship, matchday protests and actions have been scaled back. We acknowledge that the shared focus of supporters for now must be on backing the players in these final weeks.

However, that does not mean the wider issues at the club have gone away. The failures of recent transfer windows, disastrous managerial and football department appointments, and the mistreatment and dismissal of supporters over the course of the season means that change is still needed within our club.

It remains our firm belief that Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay should be removed from their positions and replaced with suitable professionals willing to stand up to the presumed authority of Dermot Desmond and his family.

With season book renewals to be released in the coming weeks, we are asking supporters to withhold their renewals until the final day possible. This is a simple way to send a clear message to the current custodians of Celtic Football Club that fan anger over this season is not limited to a small minority. A huge swathe of the support has had enough and is demanding change.

We urge all fans to loudly and colourfully back the team as they push for the title and the Scottish Cup, but also to use their renewal to send a message the board that change is necessary.

Celtic Fans Collective

Another 48 page More than 90 Minutes comes out on Friday 10 April packed with articles and opinions. Lisbon Lion Jim Craig graces the front cover after the recent launch of his Govan Foundation.

Opinions: If Celtic win the league this season will it be Martin O’Neill greatest ever Celtic achievements?. The Green Brigade Return. Celtic a team in decline. Divided we fall – United? Who Knows.

Snap: Tommy Gemmell Statue

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Supporters: Thomas Moran on Mental Health and Why Celtic is Good for you. Brian Keenan CSC 25^th Anniversary. First, Worst & Leave the Best till Last Gerard Glackin. Why I support Celtic: Maurice McEvoy

Charity: Celtic Supporters Hike for LauraLynn. John Fallon & the 12^th Lion Legacy. Jim Craig Govan Foundation.

Reviews: Celtic Retro News. Jungle Days Supporting Celtic in 1980’s.

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History: The Potter Archives: John “Jean” McFarlane

Following Celtic: Away Days: Ibrox Glasgow Derby: Its more than football – its simply the best. Home Days: 48 Hours on the road to Glasgow.

Columnists: Tim Molloy, Andrew Milne, Rachel Lynch, Eoin Coyne, Brendan Ogle, Paddy McMenamin.