Neil had got to the point where the light was no longer there

Stand-in boss Kennedy reveals the heart-to-heart that preceded exit

HE will feel a mixture of crushing disappointment, deep frustration and no little guilt at how it all unfolded. Neil Lennon would not be human, though, if his prime emotion at finally being free of the vice-like pressure that’s been mounting on him over the past eight months wasn’t sheer relief.

Whatever criticisms could rightly be levelled at the former Celtic manager, the vitriol that’s been thrown at him by many who once claimed to have his back has been astonishing.

Asked if relief would now be Lennon’s overriding emotion, interim boss John Kennedy replied: ‘Probably, in a way — without thinking that beforehand.

‘He’s had a helluva lot of criticism this year and has had to stand out there every match-day.

‘He’s had to attend every press conference and answer all the difficult questions.

‘There have been a number of challenges this year with different things and Neil as the manager has dealt with it all.

‘He’s strong, a strong character and has shown good leadership behind the scenes dealing with all this and staying calm.

‘It must be exhausting — but Neil never showed that.’

The point where he owed it to himself as well as the club to step aside arrived shortly after

Sunday’s loss in Dingwall. Lennon had been bullish in response to the latest questions about his future but that tends to be the default position of anyone in his shoes in those trying moments.

By the time he spoke to Kennedy the following day, he did so as a man who’d been through plans A to Z without achieving the necessary outcome. His mind was made up.

‘I spoke to Neil,’ explained Kennedy. ‘He decided the time was right. He probably got to the point where the light wasn’t there for him anymore.

‘Neil gave everything he could, he worked all the hours under the sun. It was all focused to bring the team success — and he’s had great success as a manager and a player.

‘We wanted that this year but it didn’t materialise and he’s the first guy to hold his hand up to that.

‘But we share that responsibility — as players, backroom staff and management team. Credit to Neil, he’s always been strong.’

Kennedy is growing familiar with these weeks in which emotions spin like clothes in a tumble drier.

Two years ago, Brendan Rodgers’ sudden defection to Leicester City caused uproar among supporters and upset for the squad. It was only Lennon’s ready availability that prevented a drama from becoming a crisis.

‘The two weeks were similar in terms of the madness of it all probably,’ recalled Kennedy. ‘It comes around quickly. Neil and the club had the conversation and then there was the next step.’

If there are similarities with the need for him to again pour oil on to choppy waters, the distinction comes by way of Kennedy’s elevation to the top job — for the time being, at least.

‘This week, it’s been different as you go from being assistant, the manager leaves, and then you step up,’ he said.

‘You are preparing for the game and it’s up to you to gather everyone together again.

‘You have to try to bring some stability as when that happens it can be a very emotional time for everyone.

‘It’s an uncertain time for the players, so it’s a case of realigning everyone and moving in the right direction.’

The bombshell news that the club confirmed on Wednesday morning necessitated something akin to a counselling session among the squad.

‘When the players came in we had a meeting to discuss things and bring clarity,’ explained Kennedy (right). ‘Everyone knew the situation and we just wanted to talk to them from our own point of view and say: “This is what is happening”.

‘I told the players I’d step in and take the role for the time being.

‘It was just about stripping it back and facing up to the situation we find ourselves in.

‘We have to still move forward, do the right things and get back to what we know we can be.’

Kennedy doesn’t need to be told that Lennon has not been the sole target for the many critics.

Although never specifically deployed as a defensive coach, he accepts that fingers will be pointed at him when the back four is a soft as it has been this season.

‘It’s par for the course in the job,’ he said. ‘The closer you get to the first team, the more visible you are. Every performance and result can be scrutinised.

‘But we need to trust in what we believe in. If you listen to too many voices and opinions, you can start to doubt things. ‘You need to trust each other. I’ve been saying to the players in the last couple of days to believe in each other. These guys will admit they have under-performed this season but, at the same time, most of them are Treble winners and won trophies every season. ‘It’s been a major setback this year. It’s been a stressful and challenging time. It’s about going back and saying: “What makes us good?”.’ The sight of Kennedy in the manager’s chair was one many believed they’d see at some stage but not at this juncture — and not in this season. Such have been the circumstances which have seen him handed the reins on a temporary basis that it just wouldn’t do to take any satisfaction from his temporary promotion. Like everything at the club this season, there is only regret.

‘I’ve been given the responsibility as interim manager but even this week, I haven’t sat down and looked at myself as being that,’ he explained. ‘I am the guy who now has to set the standards and point everyone in the right direction and I’ll do that as best I can.

‘But that will be with massive support from the staff. They have been immense for me in a manic, intense week.

‘People who know me know that’s not my style. It’s not about me, it’s not like I’m going around saying: “I’m in charge”.

‘It’s about doing the right things to help the club and the team. If the performances come, then the results come, and if the results come, everything is always much better at the club.

‘Whether I’m assistant manager, manager or first-team coach, you always have the same application. The only difference now is there’s more responsibility to make sure everything’s going in the right direction.’ RODGERS WAS TOO TOUGH AN ACT FOR LENNON TO FOLLOW

Stephen McGowan: Page 115