FORMER two-time Celtic boss Neil Lennon insists “my best years are in front of me” after being linked with a return to Hibs.
The Easter Road club sacked Lee Johnson on Sunday with the club anchored at the bottom of the Premiership following three consecutive losses and the Hoops legend was immediately named as a possible successor, as CQN reported.
Lennon, who has been out of work since being dismissed by Cypriot outfit Omonia Nicosia in October last year, has said he would talk to the Edinburgh side where he spent two and a half years before coming back to Parkhead in February 2019 following the exit of Brendan Rodgers to Leicester City.
HAMPDEN HOORAYS…a beaming Neil Lennon with the newly-won League Cup after the 1-0 triumph over Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side in December 2019.
The Northern Irishman said: “I’m 52 now and I’ve been doing this for over 12-14 years and you do learn as you go along. But you do pick and choose your moments more.
“I’m definitely more rounded and my best years are in front of me as a coach.”
Asked if he would be interested in going back to the Leith club, Lennon replied: “Of course – because I’ve been there before, it’s a big club with potential.
“But there’s been change after change after change and no consistency at the coach level.
“That’s the most important role in the football club and they have to get that next appointment right for a bit of longevity and stability.
“There will be loads of applicants for the job and it’s important the board get it right.”
HEY, REF…Neil Lennon has something to say during a match in the Hibs dug-out as his side lose 4-2 to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic in the League Cup semi-final in October 2017.
Parkhead legend Lennon, speaking on The Football Show on PLZ Soccer, added: “Whether they approach me or not, it might be worth a conversation, but that’s as far as it can go at the minute.
“I don’t think they need to make a rash decision. They have one more game before the international break where they can get their ducks is a row over who they want to bring in.”
A host of names have already been mentioned for the vacant post, including iconic Hoops captain Scott Brown, who has spent the last year in charge at English third-tier club Fleetwood Town.
Former player David Gray will take over in his third stint as caretaker boss until a permanent gaffer is brought in.
Celtic are due to play Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday October 28.
