Celtic manager among well-wishers for retiring St Ives head

A SCOTTISH football club manager was among the people congratulating a secondary school headteacher on his retirement.

St Ivo’s Howard Gilbert, 56, a proud Glaswegian, has left the role he fulfilled for eight years and among the well-wishers was Neil Lennon, manager of Mr Gilbert’s beloved Celtic.

Speaking to the Hunts Post on the last day of term, he said: “I got a letter from him saying ‘Congratulations on your retirement, looking forward to seeing you up there’. The chairman of governors arranged that.”

With more time on his hands, father-of-five Mr Gilbert (pictured right) has a season ticket for Celtic next season and is hoping they have a good run in Europe in the Champions League.

Commenting on leaving, he added: “It’s a bit surreal to be honest. It probably won’t sink in until September.

“In many ways, it’s sad, because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here.”

Other than watching football, Mr Gilbert, who lives in Godmanchester with his wife Arwen, who teaches music at St Ivo, said he planned to get more involved in community projects.

“I used to be involved in soup kitchens before headship came along.

“There’s obviously a need with the way the welfare system is changing, so I’ll have a look around and see what’s going on.”