Neil Lennon era ends

1817

Neil Lennon ‘got’ Celtic.  He was a rookie appointment, and the early weeks were far from comfortable, a Hampden defeat to Ross County looked like an ominous early sign, but from the start of his first preseason he didn’t look back.

He was a hugely successful Celtic manager in Scotland and in Europe.  The Barcelona team of the last six years, possibly the greatest team in history, were at their peak when they visited Celtic Park in November 2012. Neil came up with the game plan which brought Celtic victory and raised our profile across Europe.

What he had to endure off-field during his time at Celtic was atrocious and a blight on our society.  But he overcame it.  He stuck it out when you or I may have left, and now he leaves on his own terms – an undisputed winner.

More at another time on who next, but if we get a man nearly as capable we will be doing well.

Take care, Neil.

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  1. If somebody is going to quadruple your wages, are you going to hang about to be bombed?

  2. TinyTim

     

     

    14:54 on 22 May, 2014

     

     

    Neil Francis Lennon

     

     

    A signed print of you hangs in the wee loo in my house.

     

    Every time I take a tinkle ,I have you at my back.

     

     

    ===================================

     

     

    Now the true reason for Lenny’s departure begins to ‘leak’…

  3. imbhoy2

     

    16:17 on

     

    22 May, 2014

     

    Don’t think Lambert ,Mc Namara or Moyes will be the next manager at Celtic. Malky McKay ,Henrik Larsson, Stevie Clarke .and Gianfranco Zola .im sure 1 of them will be the next manager of Celtic Football Club

     

     

    Only, and Only if their price is right. IE low enough.

  4. Hrvatski Jim on

    Football fan banned for banging drum at Ibrox police horseA football fan has been banned from matches for eight months for banging a drum next to a police horse.

     

     

    Adam Weir, 23, was among a number of fans involved in a disturbance with mounted officers outside Ibrox Stadium.

     

     

    Glasgow Sheriff Court heard he ignored warnings to stop as police dealt with the incident after the Rangers v Annan Athletic match in December 2012.

     

     

    Weir, of Clarkston, Glasgow, was also convicted of culpable and reckless conduct and fined £500.

     

     

    —————————————————-

     

    The excitement of playing Annan must have been just a bit too much for the poor guy.

  5. Henryk Larsson?

     

     

    Phooey!

     

     

    Dae ye think That Celtic wid even Consider Appointing Him?

     

     

    Ye Dae!

     

     

    Well. Ah’ ll Be GASTED.. awe Over Ma FLABBER.. if that evah

     

    Comes tae Pass!

     

     

    Kojo

  6. A Ceiler Gonof Rust on

    The first criteria in determining who should fill lenny’s boots is that its got to be someone who spat on or wiped their arse with a hun scarf or top. My C.V. is on the way Mr Lawwell.

  7. Geordie Munro on

    Former ‘legend’.

     

     

    Good player.

     

     

    Unemployed.

     

     

    Didn’t win much with us but….

     

     

     

    Di canio anyone? :)

  8. Connaire12

     

     

    Glad it was not such an ordeal and the cod is right.

     

     

    KTF

     

    HH

  9. bontbhoy & SFTB

     

     

    Brilliant posts , captures pretty much how I feel.

     

    After a busy day ,still trying to get to grips with the news.

     

    Thanks Neil , I will always remember the way you stood firm when dark forces were constantly abusing you . An inspiration to this son of an Italian immigrant who was always taught to turn the other cheek

  10. Club statement:

     

     

    CELTIC Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has stood down from his position as Celtic Manager. Neil leaves the club after serving Celtic for four years as Manager and delivering three Scottish Premier League titles in a row. Neil will now assist the Club in finding his successor.

     

    Neil said: “I have supported Celtic all my life and the Club will always be part of me. It was an absolute honour to play for this great Club, to captain the team and of course to become Celtic Manager, a position which I cherished dearly. However, I feel the time is now right to move on to a new challenge.

     

    “Of course, I am very pleased that I will be leaving Celtic as Scottish Champions and with the Club in such good health. I wish the Club nothing but good fortune going forward.

     

    “I would like to send my sincere thanks and best wishes to Johan Mjallby and Garry Parker who have supported me magnificently, to all the players and staff at the Club who I have worked with over so many years and, of course, to our magnificent supporters who have been with me through everything. I would also like to thank Dermot, Peter and the Club’s Board of Directors for their support.”

     

    “I also want to thank my family for all they have given me. I could not have been Celtic Manager for four years without their wonderful support.

     

    “Serving the Club was always a privilege. I have always given my best and aimed to do all I can to ensure success for Celtic, as a supporter it was all I wanted.

     

    “I will now assist the Club in appointing my successor. As ever, we will need our fans’ support and I am sure they will give the Club and the new Manager the same great backing which they gave to myself.”

     

    Celtic Chairman Ian Bankier added: “Neil has given a huge part of his life to serving the Club and we will always be grateful for all he has given us. Ultimately, Neil brought Celtic back to the top of Scottish football, re-introducing the passion and drive which we needed to succeed and of course keeping us there for the last three years.

     

    “Neil has shown the Club a huge level of commitment and effort over his four years as Manager. We thank him sincerely for all he has done and of course we wish Neil and his family the very best for the future.”

     

    Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell commented: “I would like to thank Neil for everything he has done for Celtic. When we appointed Neil as Manager we did so knowing exactly what the Club meant to him and knowing that he would give all he had to the job. He has delivered great success to our supporters domestically and has brought us back to the table in European football.

     

    “He will always be part of the Club and we wish Neil and his family nothing but success in the future.

     

    “We now embark on a new and exciting chapter for the Club. We are sure our fans will give us their usual fantastic support as we aim to bring them more and more success and continue to make Celtic a Club they can be proud of.”

     

     

    Keep the Faith!

     

     

    Hail Hail!

  11. McGarvey talking tripe in 5live interview.

     

     

    Do these eejits get paid for their inane telephone interviews?

  12. DUSHANBE BHILLY BHOY on

    Kojo,

     

     

    Would that be the Jackie Mac who manges Dundee or Dundee Utd, as you seem not to know the difference between the 2 teams.

     

     

    Jackie Mac has not impressed me with the latter team.

     

     

    What about Paddy McCourt as player manager?

     

     

    …..just kiddin’

  13. CELTIC Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has stood down from his position as Celtic Manager. Neil leaves the club after serving Celtic for four years as Manager and delivering three Scottish Premier League titles in a row. Neil will now assist the Club in finding his successor.

     

    Neil said: “I have supported Celtic all my life and the Club will always be part of me. It was an absolute honour to play for this great Club, to captain the team and of course to become Celtic Manager, a position which I cherished dearly. However, I feel the time is now right to move on to a new challenge.

     

    “Of course, I am very pleased that I will be leaving Celtic as Scottish Champions and with the Club in such good health. I wish the Club nothing but good fortune going forward.

     

    “I would like to send my sincere thanks and best wishes to Johan Mjallby and Garry Parker who have supported me magnificently, to all the players and staff at the Club who I have worked with over so many years and, of course, to our magnificent supporters who have been with me through everything. I would also like to thank Dermot, Peter and the Club’s Board of Directors for their support.”

     

    “I also want to thank my family for all they have given me. I could not have been Celtic Manager for four years without their wonderful support.

     

    “Serving the Club was always a privilege. I have always given my best and aimed to do all I can to ensure success for Celtic, as a supporter it was all I wanted.

     

    “I will now assist the Club in appointing my successor. As ever, we will need our fans’ support and I am sure they will give the Club and the new Manager the same great backing which they gave to myself.”

     

    Celtic Chairman Ian Bankier added: “Neil has given a huge part of his life to serving the Club and we will always be grateful for all he has given us. Ultimately, Neil brought Celtic back to the top of Scottish football, re-introducing the passion and drive which we needed to succeed and of course keeping us there for the last three years.

     

    “Neil has shown the Club a huge level of commitment and effort over his four years as Manager. We thank him sincerely for all he has done and of course we wish Neil and his family the very best for the future.”

     

    Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell commented: “I would like to thank Neil for everything he has done for Celtic. When we appointed Neil as Manager we did so knowing exactly what the Club meant to him and knowing that he would give all he had to the job. He has delivered great success to our supporters domestically and has brought us back to the table in European football.

     

    “He will always be part of the Club and we wish Neil and his family nothing but success in the future.

     

    “We now embark on a new and exciting chapter for the Club. We are sure our fans will give us their usual fantastic support as we aim to bring them more and more success and continue to make Celtic a Club they can be proud of.”

  14. Mr. Neil Lennon N the Celtic Movers n Shakers hiv Jist Issued

     

     

     

    A PLAIN Vanilla Statement, regarding Neil’s Exit.( Ye wid hiv Thought that they Might Hiv Made it.. A French Wan. at least… Cheep. Cheep. right tae the End!)

     

     

    Hmmmmmmmmm

     

     

    Kojo

  15. David Moyes on 41% out in front in the Guardian poll (followed by Henrik Larsson on 15% and Malky Mackay on 13%).

     

     

    John Hartson getting the same support as Kenny Dalglish on 3% which is behind both Mick McCarthy on 4% and Owen Coyle (sans granny) on 5%.

  16. It has been a difficult day for all of us and hard to come to terms with what has happened. So a big thank you to all on the blog who have taken time to send me a message of encouragement. Thanks for keeping the Celtic spirit alive.

  17. CELTIC Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has stood down from his position as Celtic Manager. Neil leaves the club after serving Celtic for four years as Manager and delivering three Scottish Premier League titles in a row. Neil will now assist the Club in finding his successor.

     

    Neil said: “I have supported Celtic all my life and the Club will always be part of me. It was an absolute honour to play for this great Club, to captain the team and of course to become Celtic Manager, a position which I cherished dearly. However, I feel the time is now right to move on to a new challenge.

     

    “Of course, I am very pleased that I will be leaving Celtic as Scottish Champions and with the Club in such good health. I wish the Club nothing but good fortune going forward.

     

    “I would like to send my sincere thanks and best wishes to Johan Mjallby and Garry Parker who have supported me magnificently, to all the players and staff at the Club who I have worked with over so many years and, of course, to our magnificent supporters who have been with me through everything. I would also like to thank Dermot, Peter and the Club’s Board of Directors for their support.”

     

    “I also want to thank my family for all they have given me. I could not have been Celtic Manager for four years without their wonderful support.

     

    “Serving the Club was always a privilege. I have always given my best and aimed to do all I can to ensure success for Celtic, as a supporter it was all I wanted.

     

    “I will now assist the Club in appointing my successor. As ever, we will need our fans’ support and I am sure they will give the Club and the new Manager the same great backing which they gave to myself.”

     

    Celtic Chairman Ian Bankier added: “Neil has given a huge part of his life to serving the Club and we will always be grateful for all he has given us. Ultimately, Neil brought Celtic back to the top of Scottish football, re-introducing the passion and drive which we needed to succeed and of course keeping us there for the last three years.

     

    “Neil has shown the Club a huge level of commitment and effort over his four years as Manager. We thank him sincerely for all he has done and of course we wish Neil and his family the very best for the future.”

     

    Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell commented: “I would like to thank Neil for everything he has done for Celtic. When we appointed Neil as Manager we did so knowing exactly what the Club meant to him and knowing that he would give all he had to the job. He has delivered great success to our supporters domestically and has brought us back to the table in European football.

     

    “He will always be part of the Club and we wish Neil and his family nothing but success in the future.

     

    “We now embark on a new and exciting chapter for the Club. We are sure our fans will give us their usual fantastic support as we aim to bring them more and more success and continue to make Celtic a Club they can be proud of.”

  18. Geordie Munro

     

    16:25 on

     

    22 May, 2014

     

    Former ‘legend’.

     

     

    Good player.

     

     

    Unemployed.

     

     

    Didn’t win much with us but….

     

     

    Di canio anyone? :)

     

     

    Please, please tell us that you are the kidding.

  19. up_over_goal on

    BontyBhoy

     

     

    Thanks for that intelligent post.

     

     

    Yes, Lenny wasn’t perfect, but he had ‘it’. The players who came to Celtic because of him certainly recognized that.

     

     

    You hit the nail on the head re. our club’s finances. Whilst we all want Celtic to spend big, with the best will in the world it’s simply no longer possible due to the increasing stranglehold the rich leagues have on the game. Lenny on the one hand acknowledged that and on the other made his choice to pursue his career elsewhere.

     

     

    It was his intelligence (not the 10 ‘o’grades kind :-)) that appealed to me from the outset, and I was delighted in his appointment. It is a rarer commodity in the game than it ought to be, and is what will see him through next, wherever he goes.

     

     

    It’s amazing how much the game has changed but how little have supporters’ attitudes. The manager’s job has been completely redefined in the modern era, yet fans will now be calling for the likes of Moyes and Mackay because they see the appointment of a manager as pivotal to their team’s fortunes. The people behind the scenes were a huge part of Neil’s success and he would do well to consider these factors when it comes to choosing a new club.

     

     

    On your final thoughts, I’m in complete agreement. Unless we find the magic key to unlock the door to English football, Celtic will come full circle and, aside from the odd project, end up buying the ‘best of the rest’ from the SPFL. It won’t please the fans, but will probably lead to greater competition and a more flourishing Celtic in the long run.

     

     

    HH

  20. No Reason Why Owen Coyle…

     

     

    Should Not Be Included In The List Of Potential Managers….

     

     

    As Long As It Is Stipulated In His Contract….

     

     

    That He Is Only Allowed To Utter A Maximum Of Fifty Thousand Words…

     

     

    In Any 24-Hour Period..?

     

     

    His Granny….

     

     

    Can Handle The Press…

     

     

    —-

     

    My Dear Kojo….

     

     

    Jackie McNamara Snr..

     

     

    Was A Serious Communist…

     

     

    At The Height Of The Cold War….

     

     

    And Liked To Broadcast The Fact..

     

     

    There Have Been Suggestions That His Political Affectations..

     

     

    Hastened His Departure…

     

     

    Fae Paradise-Oan-The-Clyde…

     

     

    —-

     

     

    Today Marks A New And Glorious Era….

     

     

    For Celtic Under New Management….

     

     

    And Nigel’s ‘People’s Army’

     

     

    Rule Britannia !

     

     

    And HiP-HiP-HOORAY !

  21. thomthethim for Oscar OK on

    Malone Bhoy, Bontybhoy,

     

     

    Two posts that reflect the reality of where the club is today and how modern football is run.

     

     

    Neither Neil or Celtic is to “blame”.

     

     

    Neil is a professional man who wishes to test his personal ambitions.

     

    Celtic are a club who are restricted in funding those ambitions.

     

     

    Blame Sky, the EPL, the SMSM.

     

     

    Today’s announcement should’nt come as a shock. Neil has openly stated that he wanted to try England, but didn’t say when.

     

    I thought t would be next year.

     

     

    One thing for sure, the news didn’t land on PL’s desk this morning.

     

     

    Johan leaving and Scott Brownbeing the ” face” of ST renewals was a sign.

     

     

    I hope the next guy in is as successful and plays attractive football and I hope it is not Mc.Namara, who has no real feel for the club.

  22. Dushanbe Bhilly Bhoy

     

     

    At 16.29

     

     

    Hiya Pally…

     

     

    Oh…Ah Know the Difference alright…

     

     

    But, Leaving that Aside…

     

     

    Jackie Mac ,tae Me, is the ONLY Choice in Toon.

     

     

    Wull Be Surprised if He disnae Get the Gig.

     

     

    Nice Chatting,Pally.. as Alwiz..

     

     

    Kojo.

  23. When Neil was doing the lap with young Gallagher by his side last week I was thinking now that the lad’s growing up fast, what kind of life it would be not to be able to go out somewhere with your kid at will or to constantly be worried some harm would come to them due to your job.

     

     

    I gues Neil might have had the same thoughts lurking. God Bless him.

     

     

    What an indictment on Salmond’s wonderful wee Scotchland that such a situation was allowed to exist in the first place, and encouraged in many parts by a compliant and sinister element among the SMSM.

     

     

    ‘Klan bassas’, as ryecatcher so accurately sums up a major part of the inhabitants of this country. I hope their flagship ‘klub’ soon sinks without trace. I’ll wade in their tears with broad grin.

     

     

    Best of luck, Lenny. Stood against the istitutional evil like a green and white colossus.

  24. Geordie Munro on

    Quonno I said it so I must have been 100% sincere

     

     

    © e lynch.

     

     

     

    Nah just messing mate. Went a bit quiet on here. Official release not juicy enough me thinks.

  25. CELTIC Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has stood down from his position as Celtic Manager. Neil leaves the club after serving Celtic for four years as Manager and delivering three Scottish Premier League titles in a row. Neil will now assist the Club in finding his successor.

     

     

    Neil said: “I have supported Celtic all my life and the Club will always be part of me. It was an absolute honour to play for this great Club, to captain the team and of course to become Celtic Manager, a position which I cherished dearly. However, I feel the time is now right to move on to a new challenge.

     

     

    “Of course, I am very pleased that I will be leaving Celtic as Scottish Champions and with the Club in such good health. I wish the Club nothing but good fortune going forward.

     

     

    “I would like to send my sincere thanks and best wishes to Johan Mjallby and Garry Parker who have supported me magnificently, to all the players and staff at the Club who I have worked with over so many years and, of course, to our magnificent supporters who have been with me through everything. I would also like to thank Dermot, Peter and the Club’s Board of Directors for their support.”

     

     

    “I also want to thank my family for all they have given me. I could not have been Celtic Manager for four years without their wonderful support.

     

     

    “Serving the Club was always a privilege. I have always given my best and aimed to do all I can to ensure success for Celtic, as a supporter it was all I wanted.

     

     

    “I will now assist the Club in appointing my successor. As ever, we will need our fans’ support and I am sure they will give the Club and the new Manager the same great backing which they gave to myself.”

     

     

    Celtic Chairman Ian Bankier added: “Neil has given a huge part of his life to serving the Club and we will always be grateful for all he has given us. Ultimately, Neil brought Celtic back to the top of Scottish football, re-introducing the passion and drive which we needed to succeed and of course keeping us there for the last three years.

     

     

    “Neil has shown the Club a huge level of commitment and effort over his four years as Manager. We thank him sincerely for all he has done and of course we wish Neil and his family the very best for the future.”

     

     

    Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell commented: “I would like to thank Neil for everything he has done for Celtic. When we appointed Neil as Manager we did so knowing exactly what the Club meant to him and knowing that he would give all he had to the job. He has delivered great success to our supporters domestically and has brought us back to the table in European football.

     

     

    “He will always be part of the Club and we wish Neil and his family nothing but success in the future.

     

     

    “We now embark on a new and exciting chapter for the Club. We are sure our fans will give us their usual fantastic support as we aim to bring them more and more success and continue to make Celtic a Club they can be proud of.”

  26. I’d take Lambert. He has excellent perspective, experience and certainly has the right kind of personality to lead our club. Not sure about his football, but, suspect he’d do well for us in Europe and endure similar frustration to Lennon domestically.

     

    McNamara is also impressive, but, probably tactically not quite there yet. In saying that I’d really like it if Celtic can take 2 or 3 of those young United players – Gauld, Armstrong and Robertson have big futures. If McNamara can help that, I genuinely believe getting Gauld alone could be worth a rocky year from Jackie.

  27. It will be who it will be. Call me when the appointment is made.

     

     

    In the meantime the rich man keeps stealing your money, rights and resources and then blaming it on immigrants and benefit claimants.

     

     

    But still, get pi$$ed off with fitba instead. It’s easier.

  28. Thindimebhoy

     

     

     

     

    13:30 on

     

     

    22 May, 2014

     

     

     

     

    We know that Dermot Desmond is very persuasive on the golf course

     

     

    *at least it wisnae the dance floor

     

     

    reachforthesky csc

  29. kikinthenakas on

    Roberto Di Matteo?

     

     

    Just a thought an out of work CL winning manager…

     

     

    Kikinthenakas

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