Hartley: It’s natural that Neil will now have some doubts
PAUL HARTLEY has a better idea than most as to what will be going through Neil Lennon’s mind right now.
The Dundee manager is sure the emotions will be a mixture of anxiousness and excitement for his former Celtic team-mate and coach.
Lennon left Parkhead earlier this week after four successful years, but he has no job to go to and will now wait for his phone to ring after emerging as a contender for the vacant posts at West Brom and Brighton.
It’s a brave decision by the Northern Irishman and a massive gamble.
Although at a lower level, Hartley chose to go down a similar route five months ago when he resigned as Alloa boss, after guiding the club to successive promotions in 2012 and 2013.
Less than three weeks later, he was made Dundee manager and led them to the Championship title earlier this month.
Hartley hopes Lennon is as fortunate as he was. ‘It didn’t come as a complete shock to me that Neil decided to go,’ he said.
‘I have a feeling he reckons he has taken Celtic as far as he can, winning three successive league titles and qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League.
‘Could he have done much more? It would have been a tall order. So, he decided to make himself available and that is a gamble.
‘There are many good managers and coaches out of work. I hope he finds something. He has the CV and the ability to go down south and work there.
‘But there may well be a wee niggle of doubt because he has left such a massive club.
‘I know we’re talking about different ends of the spectrum but I felt that when I left Alloa.
‘Deep down, I knew it was the right decision to go but until you end up back in work, then it’s natural to have a little doubt.
‘I was fortunate to get back into work quite quickly and it was a step up to go to a full-time club and then take them to the Premiership. It worked out fantastically well for me. I hope it’s the same for Neil.’
Hartley, who won two titles at Celtic when he was there under Gordon Strachan, credits Lennon for playing a huge part in both of them.
He said: ‘When I signed for Celtic in 2007, Neil was captain. He was a great leader and had the respect of the dressing room. He helped me settle at the club and we won the title that season.
‘Neil left that summer to go to Nottingham Forest but came back towards the end of the season as a coach.
‘We were neck and neck with Rangers at that time, both going for the title. But Neil’s arrival was a masterstroke by Gordon.
‘He gave the place a lift and helped us to beat Rangers twice and win the league.’