Celtic today astounded world football by announcing they have signed ex Real Madrid and Villarreal manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The highly respected Pellegrini's Real side performed to much acclaim this year but he has been removed to allow Jose Mourinho to join up the Bernabeu.

After over 8 weeks of interim Manager Neil Lennon being in charge, following the shambolic Tony Mowbray, many felt that Lennon was assured of the position. This assumption coupled with Celtic's tendency to promote from within and the often bemoaned current Financial Climate means that the shock signing of one of the worlds most reknowned managers has really made everyone in World Football sit up in surprise

While fans celebrated in the streets of Glasgow and beyond at such a bold and pride-restoring move by the clubs Board, the much beligned CEO Peter Lawwell was preparing for a heroes welcome at an Open Forum meeting with fans during a fortnight of get-togethers with the clubs hoi-polloi.

While playing down this magnificent coup, Lawwell admitted he did not know if Neil Lennon would still be in attendance at the Forum given that the wise Chilean has taken on the lead role at Celtic.

The ever modest Lawwell said 'To be honest, I dont deserve any praise. I was only doing my job. I had heard a whisper recently on the Executive grapevine that Real Madrid were looking to unload and I thought, "Hold on, this could be something for us". I called up my good mate Perez in Madrid and we discussed it and then when I heard it was a free, I was in!'

Explaining the reason for the 8 weeks of fans confusion, Lawwell continued "Of course given the nature of football, Perez told me it wouldnt be settled for a few weeks and I would just have to be patient but keep the plans confidential. I agreed, it was a no brainer and I knew there was no rush given the close season was approaching. Then all of a sudden yesterday, everything happened so fast, one moment I'm being served breakfast in my mansion, next minute I was in Madrid signing handover papers. 2 minutes later, the Press have gathered and in walks Manuel shaking my hand and saying he cant wait to restore our club to greatness. I didnt know what was going on. I thought I was just getting a free shipment of Pellegrino bottled water for the Celtic Board Room! How was I to know Pellegrini wasnt the plural? I dont know what Im going to tell Dermot. Does anyone know if Arsenal still need a new Chief Executive?'

Pellegrini was unavailable for comment but was overheard in conversation asking ''Un ano que arolla contrato?'

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