We will fight Celtic to keep Tony Mowbray say West Brom

Jun 9 2009 by Chris Lepkowski

“After two weeks of speculation, I have finally received a call from the Celtic chief executive, Peter Lawwell, requesting permission to speak to Tony,” said Peace.

“I made it absolutely clear that Celtic’s approach was not welcome because we have an ongoing project at Albion in which Tony is an integral part.

“Tony’s style of play is a key factor in that project and the supporters have very much bought into it, as everyone saw by the terrific reception the fans gave Tony and the players after our final home game against Liverpool.

“We inserted a compensation figure when Tony signed a new contract 16 months ago to ensure that the club would be suitably recompensed in the event of any other club seeking his services.

“Most people would regard it as a fair figure. It was inserted in the contract in good faith and is non-negotiable because we don’t want to lose our manager.

“Celtic have been made aware of the compensation figure and if they agree to pay this, only then will I speak to Tony to get his thoughts on the situation.

“Until and unless that happens, as far as we are concerned, it is business as usual as we plan for a very important season ahead of us.”

Celtic remain confident of appointing Mowbray - they even put staff on standby to stage manage his unveiling.

The Parkhead club are unlikely to accept Albion’s conditions although there are suggestions that the SPL club may be about to get around the compensation issue should Mowbray choose to resign at B71 and move to Glasgow as his contract is held outside of Scotland. However, the Baggies could potentially get around that loophole by calling in the English FA’s assistance if necessary.