‘YOU WILL FOREVER BE PART OF 9 IN A ROW,’ LENNY TELLS FANS

TRIUMPHANT Celtic boss Neil Lennon has told Celtic fans: “You will forever be part of 9 in a row.”

The Irishman joined chief executive Peter Lawwell in paying tribute to the support for their incessant and appreciated backing throughout the season that was called early by the SPFL supremos earlier today, as CQN reported.

The Hoops, of course, were zeroing in on their ninth successive title during a breathtaking run of form since returning after the mid-winter break.

The champions picked up 28 from a possible 30 points – their only stutter in form coming in the 2-2 stalemate at Livingston – before the game went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic in mid-March.

Scotland’s title kings were 13 points ahead with only eight matches to play plus they had a superior goal difference of plus 25 over their nearest rivals.

Lennon went into print on the Celtic website to say: “It is with great pleasure that I am writing to you to thank you for all you have done in bringing home 9 in a row!

“Thank you for everything.

“The passion, commitment and energy you bring to Celtic always gives us strength and it is these qualities which have been crucial in once again allowing us to deliver when it mattered. You are the best around and once again you, along with my players, my backroom team, indeed everyone at the club… have been the difference.

“Together we have shown that we are a powerful force and once again the best team in the country.

“It has also been an honour to work with such a special group of players, a squad crammed with talent, spirit, strength and resilience. I love these players – players who do their talking on the pitch and pride themselves in their professionalism. Led by a captain of the highest quality, these players are relentless in achieving their objectives – and they do it all for you, our great supporters.

“As manager of this great club it has been an honour to deliver your 9th successive title win. I could not have done this without John Kennedy and Damien Duff and thank both of them for their support.

“I returned to Celtic to win. In the tradition of our club I wanted to bring you positive, exciting football, to give you goals, an attacking, dynamic style of play which produced results. As a group we like to think we achieved that already and in this season in particular.

“We would have loved to play out the season in front of you, it is what we all wanted. We were desperate to continue the blistering form we were in when the season was suspended. However, do not in any way let this detract from our achievement. While many will seek to challenge us, the title is ours and we deserve it. We are indeed champions for a reason.”

Lennon added: “Scottish football, like society in general has gone through a tough time in recent months. We have stayed strong as a club, remaining focused, acting professionally and with thought at all times for others.

“Of course, life has become very different and while we congratulate each other as supporters and celebrate our achievement, we can’t help but think of those people who continue to experience difficulty.

“Many of you will have had families directly affected by this crisis, many of you will be key workers, striving on a daily basis to keep us safe and many of you will have experienced challenges around employment and family life.

“So as everyone at the Club rightly celebrates our achievement, we also pay tribute to you all and remember the difficulties which so many people continue to face.

“Thank you once again for all your brilliant support.

“You will forever be part of 9 in a row.

“Love and best wishes to you and your family.”