Lennon surprised by Gers’ drawn-out hunt for new boss

Hibernian boss Neil Lennon has admitted his surprise of the turmoil surrounding Rangers following their latest setback.

The Ibrox club were stunned when Derek McInnes turned down the opportunity to take the vacant manager’s position, instead choosing to remain at Aberdeen.

In the meantime, caretaker Graeme Murty has led the club to three successive wins and they currently sit second in the Premiership table, but despite their recent form, Lennon has been surprised by their continued off-field struggles. “It’s a sign of the times,” he said. “Five or 10 years ago, people would have snapped your hand off to be Rangers manager.

“It’s difficult for me to comment because I don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. I was surprised Derek turned it down but there were obviously personal and other reasons for not taking the job.

“It is a bit peculiar that a club of that stature, it’s taken them so long to find a manager, but they will feel it’s important that it’s not just a short-term fix.”

Lennon’s Hibs side are set to host Gers at Easter Road tonight after coming from two goals down to claim a thrilling point against Celtic on Sunday, and he is well aware of the threat they pose despite their troubles.

The former Celtic manager said: “They’re still in the embryonic stages of building to try and get back to where they were, and that takes a bit of time.

“We respect them, I think it will be a difficult game. They are second in the league, but they should be second in the league with the resources they have.”

A win tonight would see Hibs go level on points with Gers.

Lennon is confident winger Brandon Barker will feature despite limping off against Celtic.