Mowbray denies rift with board over Caldwell exit

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray insists he has not fallen out with the Scottish Premier League club’s directors over the surprise sale of defender Gary Caldwell to Wigan this week.

Scotland centre-back Caldwell joined English Premier League strugglers Wigan on Thursday amid claims he was sold against the manager’s wishes.

The 27-year-old left Parkhead six months before his Celtic deal was due to expire after talks over an extension broke down.

Caldwell had hinted Mowbray was happy to agree to his wage demands but was vetoed by chief executive Peter Lawwell and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

But Mowbray said: “I admire Gary Caldwell as a guy and as a football player. Yet, there was a negotiation that went on and on and never came to a conclusion to the point that he was running out of contract, a club made a bid and we accepted that bid.

“I don’t think we need look too deeply into those comments. Certain mischievous avenues could try to create a wedge that is not there.

“It’s wrong to say that there’s a conflict of interest at this club with myself and my board.

“First and foremost, it should be said I’ve got a very strong relationship – working relationship – with the executives at the club and my chief executive, Peter, and with the major shareholder, Dermot.

“There’s no animosity and nothing going on behind the scenes that anybody should try to read into.”