Peter Lawwell admits Celtic failure amid criticism

It would be safe to say that Celtic fans were not happy in the aftermath of the January transfer window. There were a lot of hopes and expectations going into the new year. The club were expected to strengthen the squad significantly following a shaky first half of the campaign. Unfortunately, they did not do that and the results since then have proven that it was a mistake, as the Rangers are now leading the Scottish Premiership title race.

During the two seasons under the management of Ange Postecoglou, there was a freshness around Celtic's transfer strategy. Yes, it did not always work out but at least it was clear that they had a plan in place and got their deals done quickly, sometimes even before the window opened.

Since the departure of Postecoglou and the return of Brendan Rodgers, things seem to be back to normal for the Hoops. Transfer sagas get dragged out longer than needed and sometimes, they lead nowhere at all.

In January, a proven goalscorer and another left-back were considered to be priorities for Celtic. They brought in Adam Idah on loan from Norwich City and he is yet to score from open play while not signing a left-back at all.

Lawwell admits Celtic failure amid criticism

Naturally, many fans have pointed towards the January transfer window as the point when Celtic's season well and truly unravlled. And it looks like the club are aware of their own shortcomings as well.

As reported by the club's official website, Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell wrote in his Interim Report statement:

"The Board’s commitment is to strengthen and improve the playing squad in every transfer window and although resources were available, we were unable to further add to the squad due to the unavailability of identified targets. This was disappointing to us all, and never the intention. The January transfer window is notoriously difficult as clubs are very reluctant to let their best players go at such a crucial time of the season just as we are. Indeed, we resisted strong interest in our players from other clubs."

Yes, it is true that getting deals done in January is more difficult than the summer. That being said, it is hard to imagine that not one left-back better than Alexandro Bernabei was available or a striker with a more proven goalscoring record than Idah.