Lennon can live with rap

Sunday Mail 53

of common sense over his antics in the thrilling 5- 5 last-day draw in Leith.

The SFA last week found the Hibs boss gui lty of misconduct and dished out a one-match touchline ban for running on the pitch with his arms outstretched after his side’s late leveller.

That has triggered a suspended two-match ban which means the gaffer will miss three fixtures.

Lenny insisted he was disappointed with the SFA’s decision – but loved his celebration at the time.

He said: “We were very disappointed but we’ll take the ban and move on.

“I enjoyed the celebration. It was the last kick of the season in what was probably the game of the season and to me it was a bit of harmless fun.

“It’s something where a bit of common sense could have been applied in that aspect but sometimes you have to follow rules and regulations as well.”

Lennon was delighted to complete a three-year deal for Grasshoppers striker Florian Kamberi who shone on loan at Hibs last season.

But out-of-contract Dylan McGeouch is on his way out and inf luential midfield partner John McGinn could possibly follow him through the Easter Road exit.

Lennon admitted: “We would like to keep John – but it’s going to be difficult.

“He has a year left on his contract and is a huge asset. He would be a huge loss because he’s the heartbeat of the team.

“He and Dylan will leave big boots to fill – but that’s the nature of the job at a club like Hibs. Players come and if they do well they move on.

“We’ve signed Kamberi and that’s important.

“Hopefully we are close to getting another couple of deals done.”