BLANK CANVAS

Celtic rebuild will be massive challenge for incoming manager, insists Lennon

NEIL LENNON insists his successor as Celtic manager will start with a ‘blank canvas’ as he attempts to revive the team’s fortunes.

Eddie Howe is close to formally accepting the job but Lennon warned that the new man will need to meet the challenge head on after a season of regression.

Lennon exited in February after his team fell hopelessly behind Rangers in pursuit of a tenth successive title.

However, he is not the only high-profile departure.

Speaking to the BBC, Lennon said: ‘(It’s) a club in transition. I have gone and Peter Lawwell, the chief executive, has gone. He was there for 17 years and was a huge presence.

‘Scott Brown, one of the most successful captains in Celtic’s history, is off to Aberdeen next year and Nick Hammond left this week, so there will be a new head of recruitment.

‘Whoever goes in will have a blank canvas but the magnitude of the club and the expectations of the fans mean you have to hit the ground running.

‘But it’s a great challenge for them and a very exciting period for them as well.’

Lennon left under a cloud, with supporters angry at the team’s sudden collapse after a decade of unfettered success.

Having closed out a domestic Treble after replacing Brendan Rodgers two years ago, Lennon delivered another last season. However, the failure to land a landmark tenth title damaged his standing among some fans.

He continued: ‘Listen, this is the modern age — everyone wants success yesterday. They look for the next thing after you have won a trophy, so you don’t get time to enjoy it.

‘But five trophies in 18 months is a pretty good return.

‘The last six months were difficult, on and off the field. Am I hurt? No. I’m a big boy and I understand that’s part of the job. I went in on my own and herded the staff and players.

‘That was a huge challenge and one that I embraced and enjoyed immensely.’