Celtic chiefs must seize control to dispel growing uncertainty
NEIL Lennon has once again been in the spotlight this week after his comments on Celtic’s ill-fated trip to Dubai. It’s not just that though, his position as manager at the club is once again up for debate after disappointing results since their return from the Middle East.
Days after chief executive Peter Lawwell apologised for the trip and insisted in hindsight it shouldn’t have gone ahead, Lennon completely contradicted his boss and shot from the hip as he passionately defended his team’s right to go.
He was like a boxer coming out for the 12th round knowing that he was behind on points but had one last slugfest to fight for his club.
He put up an impassioned defence, as we’d expect, but unfortunately it didn’t make me or many others change their minds that the trip should have been stopped one way or another.
I get the upside to it all for the players and staff but, in the middle of a global pandemic, it wasn’t the right choice.
It appears that Lennon broke rank and was probably too honest for his own good but, knowing him and the fiery character he is, I wasn’t surprised.
He never takes things lying down, especially if his professionalism and work ethic is questioned.
That, though, has led to more speculation about his immediate future in the manager’s chair.
He was asked about his position on Wednesday night after a disappointing draw at Livingston and he stated that he wouldn’t walk away as he’s put too much into it. He said it’s his life, and it’s hard to argue with him.
I may not have agreed with Lennon regarding his assessment of the trip to Dubai but I am totally with him and his stance not to walk away as manager of Celtic.
The question is, why should he?
A lot of Hoops fans have argued that if he were a true Celtic man he’d do the honourable thing. How many Celtic fans would walk away from their dream job at their club? I’m not sure too many would, and that’s the position Lennon finds himself in at the minute.
The last manager, Brendan Rodgers, claimed to be a Celtic man — and I’ve no reason to doubt him — but walked away when offered the Leicester job, only to be slated for his choice, yet they are encouraging Lennon to do just that.
How does that stack up? Well, to put it politely, it doesn’t.
He is 100 per cent a Celtic man, and his 13-year service is the evidence to back it up. He has served the club with distinction as player and manager, delivering endless trophies.
When he has kissed the badge or pumped his chest he’s meant it wholeheartedly, unlike some who left at the first opportunity that came along.
Lennon has proved his loyalty, and that shouldn’t go unnoticed just because times are tough at the minute.
I fully acknowledge that being a fervent supporter initially gets him extra credit, but it’s clear that’s wore thin, particularly with the results as they have been.
After all, he’s the man who picks the team and tactics and they clearly haven’t delivered what everyone expected this season.
However, on the flip side, if the hierarchy aren’t happy with how the manager is performing
then put him out of his misery.
That shouldn’t be the decision of the manager. It should be taken out of his hands with the men at the top taking responsibility; it’s as simple as that.
The fans have demanded clear and concise leadership from the board for a long time and this is another case of them stuttering if they believe Neil isn’t the man to lead the club forward.
Lennon made further comments after the game on Wednesday night that the club would have to sack him if they want rid of him and that he’s been concerned about his job for a long time.
If the decision makers read that then it must have set alarm bells ringing. It seems he’s accepted his fate and it’s a case of when and not if!
Neil knows, though, that once he leaves the hotseat for a second time there won’t be a third stint, so, understandably, he wants to remain as long as he possibly can.
The club stated on December 7 that they would conduct a review of Lennon’s position in the New Year. By all accounts the review is an ongoing process, which has allowed rumours to fester and cause more uncertainty.
There seems to be more questions than answers for the powers-that-be at Celtic Park. When they will answer them and take control of a situation that is headed in the wrong direction is anyone’s guess.
‘If the hierarchy aren’t happy then put him out of his misery’