As reported by The Daily Record, Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has sensationally claimed Celtic could be Britain's biggest club if they played in the English Premier League.
Bigger than everyone?
It's no secret that Celtic are a big footballing fish in a small footballing pond but Hoops CEO Peter Lawwell reckons they would be the BIGGEST in Britain if they had the same opportunities as clubs in England.
Speaking ahead of Celtic's Battle of Britain clash with Manchester City tonight, Peter Lawwell (quoted by The Daily Record) said:
"If we played in a league like the English Premier League, we could be the biggest. Because there is no barrier then; we have the whole bit so there would be no barrier to where we could go. We have the history, we have the story to tell, we have a global fanbase and we have the facilities."
It's hard to argue given that Celtic have one of Europe's biggest stadiums and one of the most passionate sets of fans in the world.
Lawwell reckons what is holding Celtic back is TV revenue, with the Bhoys receiving a pittance in comparison to even the worst performing Premier League clubs.
Again quoted by The Record, Lawwell said:
"We have the profile of a big European club but we don’t have domestic TV revenues. Our fundamentals are so strong."
Celtic's record vs. English clubs
So how have the Bhoys fared against English opposition without the riches of England? Does Peter Lawwell have a point?
In UEFA competition Celtic have played against English sides 19 times. Of those 19 games, the Bhoys have won seven, drawn six and lost six. A slight advantage then.
Most recently Celtic faced off against Manchester City at Celtic Park, with Brendan Rodgers' side sensationally taking the lead on three occasions. Despite being pegged back to a 3-3 draw, Dembele and company drew plaudits from media and fans across Europe.
If they can manage that level of performance on their current budget, who's to say with £70m+ in TV money added to their budget that they wouldn't be competing with England's best like Lawwell says?
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