Reid named as new Celtic chairman

John Reid will take over as chairman in November

Former home secretary John Reid is set to become the new chairman of Celtic Football Club, it has been announced.

The 60-year-old Labour MP will take over from Brian Quinn, who is due to step down at the club's annual general meeting on 19 November.

The MP for Airdrie and Shotts, who stood down from the Cabinet in June, plans to quit Westminster at the next general election.

He said Mr Quinn would be "an extremely hard act to follow".

Mr Reid said: "I have been a supporter of Celtic for many years and am delighted to be invited to join the board and carry on the great work that has already been done."

I am confident he will lead the company and Celtic Football Club to an even brighter and more successful future Brian Quinn

The Glasgow club said Mr Reid would join the board as chairman-designate on Monday and would take up office at the AGM.

Mr Quinn, who has been chairman since 2000, said he was "delighted" at the choice of his successor.

"I am confident he will lead the company and Celtic Football Club to an even brighter and more successful future," he said.

Mr Quinn said he had "greatly enjoyed" his years at Celtic and paid tribute to his colleagues.

Mr Reid, who holds 3,000 ordinary shares and 3,000 preference shares in Celtic, has been an MP since 1987.