Celtic finished the season without a trophy for the first time in seven years

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has apologised to supporters for an "unacceptable" season.

Lawwell made the acknowledgement in a letter to season ticket holders as he urged them to continue backing the club after a term without silverware.

Lawwell wrote: "This season has been one of the most difficult we have experienced in recent years.

"Changes did not deliver the success we hoped for and ultimately, this season has been unacceptable."

Tony Mowbray was installed as manager last summer but the former Hibs and West Brom boss was sacked in March.

Celtic launched their search for a permanent successor last weekend after Neil Lennon ended his interim reign with an eight consecutive league win.

Despite major investment in the squad in the winter transfer window, Celtic trailed behind Scottish Premier League winners Rangers and Mowbray departed after a 4-0 defeat at St Mirren.

Lennon's time in charge was not a complete success either as Celtic lost to Ross County in the Scottish Cup semi-finals to ensure their first season without a trophy since 2003.

Despite that setback, Lennon is hopeful that his strong finish in the league will persuade the board to keep him on in the dugout.

"The disappointment of this season has only made everyone at the club even more determined to ensure that we get back to doing what Celtic does best - winning football matches and, ultimately, winning trophies," added Lawwell.

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