Scott Brown told how Celtic chief Peter Lawwell has helped him through tough times in his personal life as he paid tribute to the outgoing Parkhead supremo.
The 61-year-old is due to stand down in July when he will hand over to Scottish Rugby equivalent Dominic McKay after 17 years at the helm.
Lawwell had faced growing disquiet from the Celtic faithful following poor performances on the pitch and a lack of leadership off it in a turbulent season that has seen the club's ten in a row chances evaporate.
But the Hoops skipper made no secret of his affection for the Parkhead chief as he raised his personal touch for being there when Brown's sister passed away from skin cancer in May 2008, aged 21, just a year after he had signed from Hibernian.
The Parkhead captain said: "I have had a couple of family issues as well and Peter has been there for me.
"He knows what it's like to lose family members and he was first on the phone to me.
"That is things I will remember Peter about, those small things that nobody else knew.
"He picks up the phone in hard times, he chats you through it, he gives you time off if you need it or he is willing to meet you at Celtic Park or Lennoxtown, whatever is easiest for you.
"He was there when I first came to the club, him, Gordon (Strachan), Tommy (Burns, the late Celtic manager, coach and player), so I have a lot to thank Peter for personally.
"It is just sad to see Peter leaving. But the trophies and the memories I will have, are all down to him."
