There was one hugely worrying Neil Lennon comment from Tuesday that will have Celtic fans extremely concerned for the future.
Celtic’s disastrous season has led to an incredible level of apathy from the supporters towards the manager. Many believe that it’s time for Lennon to walk and that the latest he should be departing is at the end of the season.
The manager himself has never ruled out the possibility of a summer exit. It’s been quite clear in recent interviews/press conferences that Lennon has no idea what’s happening beyond the summer. When discussing future plans, he’s usually stated that Peter Lawwell is in control of planning for the future [Daily Record].
But yesterday he broke that trend. And in a massive slap in the face to supporters who want him gone, Lennon inexplicably stated that he’s also involved in the planning for next season.
As quoted by the Daily Record, the Celtic manager made the following startling remarks:
“I haven’t said I wouldn’t be (in charge next season). I’ve not yet spoken to Dominic McKay, but I speak to Peter every day. I speak to Dermot, I speak to Nick Hammond. Yes, of course, I’m involved in the planning for the next transfer window.”
Neil Lennon should be nowhere near future planning; Celtic fans are being let down
For me, and perhaps you can call me stubborn or naive, but I’ve never entertained the prospect of Lennon staying beyond the summer. It just doesn’t seem logical to keep him in the role or even imagine it being a possibility given we have a new Chief Executive coming in.
However, these comments are majorly concerning.
On what planet should Lennon have any say over the recruitment for next season? Especially with his position so unteneble heading into the summer. Having a shortlist of potential players for a new manager to look at is fine. However, actively having a manager who should be out the door actively having a role in planning signings? It’s not on.
Of course, just because we recruited Liam Shaw doesn’t mean it’s a sign Lennon is staying. Nick Hammons, Celtic’s Head of Football Operations, is in charge of recruitment. Remember, Celtic signed players that even Brendan Rodgers didn’t want. Remember the Marian Shved saga? [Sky Sports]. There’s no way Lennon has any more autonomy on signings than Rodgers did.
But it leaves a big concern in the minds of supporters. Surely, if we’re targeting some fresh minds to come in and overhaul the club in the summer, that of the old guard should have as minimal a say as possible?
That Lennon is still having a say in players/transfer targets will set major alarm bells ringing amongst supporters.
In other news, Sky Sports man has provided some fresh info on the Liam Shaw to Celtic deal.
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