Finding Lennon replacement is ‘very difficult’, insists Desmond
Neil Lennon insists he will always remain a Celtic supporter despite the acrimonious split with the support that has finally pushed him out the Parkhead exit.
The Northern Irishman – a servant to the club for more than 15 years as a player, captain, coach and then twice as manager – has faced a wave of criticism and abuse over the last six months as the club's 10-in-a-row dream crumbled.
The campaign to oust him has now succeeded, with Celtic announcing to the stock exchange shortly after 7am yesterday that the 49-year-old has resigned.
Assistant manager John Kennedy will take over as caretaker boss as the club hierarchy begin their hunt for a successor .
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond said that Lennon would be “very difficult to replace.”
Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and Scotland manager Steve Clarke have emerged as the early favourites, with Frank Lampard, Roy Keane, Michael O’neill, Henrik Larsson, Shaun Maloney and Roberto Martinez also being linked with the job.
The fallout from Celtic's remarkable fall from grace has boiled and bubbled for weeks.
Fans clashed with police outside Celtic Park's front door as they protested November's Betfred Cup defeat to Ross County, while social media and radio phone-ins have been filled with demands for the manager to go.
For many, the news has come months too late, with all hope of rescuing their title dreams gone and the horror prospect of Rangers now winning their first league crown in a decade on Celtic’s home turf when they meet on March 21 now close to becoming a reality.
It ends a remarkable relationship between a fanbase that once declared 'We are all Neil Lennon' in respons e to death threats aimed at the former Leicester midfielder.
But for all the bitterness of these past few days, Lennon insists he will always have Celtic in his heart.
“We have experienced a difficult season due to so many factors and, of course, it is very frustrating and disappointing that we have not been able to hit the same heights as we did previously,” he said in a statement.
“I have worked as hard as ever to try and turn things around, but unfortunately we have not managed to get the kind of run going that we have needed.
“I have always given my best to the club and have been proud to deliver silverware to the Celtic supporters. The club will always be part of me. I will always be a Celtic supporter myself and I will always want the best for Celtic.”
Chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Neil has always been and will always be a true Celtic man and someone I will always hold in the highest regard. While this season has not progressed as we would have liked, it cannot diminish the character or integrity of a man who has given the club so much.”
Desmond added: “Neil is a Celtic legend both as a player and manager. He has given so much to the club, and with his success over the last number of years he will be very difficult to replace.”