Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell have broken their Celtic media silence as they reacted to the departure of Neil Lennon this morning.
Lennon is out the door at Parkhead after a string of poor results that has the Hoops 18 points behind Rangers. With the Premiership title all but over, a decision has been made several months too late.
Desmond has continuously backed the Celtic manager whilst failing to come out and explain to supporters why. But he has, today, pitched in with some comments on the departing Lennon whilst refusing to go into any information regarding the long-term future.
Speaking on the official Celtic website, Desmond said: “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 – including winning a Treble in his own right – he will be very difficult to replace.
“We thank Neil sincerely for all he has done for the club and we wish him every success going forward.”
Peter Lawwell also broke his silence after not being heard from since his painful apology for the Dubai trip. He also said the following:
“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. Personally, it is a sad day for me to see Neil leave the Club. Neil is a man of quality and decency, he is someone who will always be part of the fabric of Celtic and someone who will always be welcomed at Celtic Park.”
Dermot Desmond and Lawwell haven’t helped Lennon’s reputation amongst Celtic fans or media
So much of the blame will directly be pointed in the direction of Neil Lennon. Not only for losing the 10, but for his failure to go when the time was right.
It’s that stalling which has led to the most disastrous campaign Celtic have had since perhaps the early 90s. With fan anger turning to fan apathy, Lennon’s legend status was stripped away from him by many in the support.
But Desmond and Lawwell were just as much to blame. Neither man seemed ready to pull the trigger on the regime until it was too late. They were happy to watch Lennon’s reputation crash and burn amongst the support.
Any proper Celtic man in that position would’ve taken action a lot earlier. Not just for the sake of the season, but for the sake of Lennon and where he stands amongst the Celtic greats.
So many supporters will be left with a bitter taste in their mouths regarding Lennon. When his name is brought up, this is the season that will be remembered most of all.
The board could’ve stopped this a long time ago. Could’ve spared Lennon this embarrassment and stepped in for his own good. In the end they refused, and as sad as it is to say, leaves the outgoing manager’s reputation in tatters.
In other news, a report has detailed when Lennon and the Celtic players found out about his dramatic exit.
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