NEIL LENNON will miss out on the Sunderland manager’s job after it was revealed an agreement has been put in place for Alex Neil to be unveiled as Lee Johnson’s successor.
The former Celtic boss, who has been out of work for almost a year after leaving Parkhead on February 23 two days after a dismal 1-0 loss to Ross County in Dingwall, was in the running for the post at the League One side.
However, former Hamilton Accies gaffer Neil is the frontrunner and could be named later today in time for the team’s game at AFC Wimbledon tomorrow, according to a report on Sky Sports news.
Another ex-Celt, Roy Keane, had been favourite for the role, but talks between both parties have collapsed, leading to the Republic of Ireland legend turning the job down.
IT TAKES TWO…Roy Keane and Neil Lennon celebrate a win over Rangers at Ibrox in season 2005/2006.
The ex-Manchester United and Hoops midfielder was in charge at Sunderland from 2006 to 2008, but has been out of management since being sacked by Ipswich Town in 2011. Subsequently, he has had coaching spells with his nation, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
The Wearside outfit have been looking for a new chief since sacking Johnson following a 6-0 loss at Bolton recently.
Neil, who was axed as Preston boss last March, has promotion experience, having guided Norwich City to the Premier League in 2015.
Sunderland, who signed former Parkhead fans’ favourite Patrick Roberts on a short-term deal last month, are fourth in League One, two points off the automatic promotion places, but having played four games more than second-placed Wigan.
HEADING FOR THE EXIT…Neil Lennon trudges off the pitch at Dingwall after a 1-0 loss to Ross County, his last game in charge of Celtic.
Last week, Lennon, who had two stints as Celtic boss, admitted he would be interested in the job at the Stadium of Light club and told TalkSPORT: “It’s very appealing, I think. “It has a fantastic fanbase and in a reasonably good position in the league, that would be a job anyone would be interested in
“But it is so competitive now, the manager’s race to get back in or keep your job. There are so many good coaches around
“England is the place everyone wants to be. The Premier League is the marquee league.”
