I’ll take a break from the game after Hibs exit, reveals Lennon

NEIL Lennon says he will take some time out of football after leaving Hibernian, but insists he is a better manager now than he has ever been.

The 47-year-old former Celtic and Bolton Wanderers boss left Easter Road by mutual consent at the end of January, just days after he was suspended by Hibs following an exchange with club employees.

Lennon (below) led the Edinburgh club to the Scottish Championship title in his first season in charge, before guiding them to fourth place and a Europa League spot in their first campaign back in the top flight.

“Being a manager is intense, extremely demanding,” said the former Northern Ireland international.

“I’m very much the type who puts his heart and soul into the job.

“It’s who I am, it’s what’s made me successful.

“But I’m only 47. It’s definitely still an ambition of mine to manage again, to coach again.

“However, I don’t know when I’m going to get my next chance, and in the meantime I’ ll do some media work and enjoy watching football in general as a neutral.

“I think I’m a better manager now than I’ve ever been. No question.”

Lennon’s managerial career began at Celtic, where he won three league titles and two Scottish Cups, as well as masterminding a path to the last 16 of the Champions League in 2012-13 when the Bhoys beat Barcelona in the group stage.