Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has reflected on his second spell at Celtic.
Upon Brendan Rodgers’ departure from the club, Lennon filled in. In an interim spell, Lenny secured Celtic’s 8th consecutive title, as well as completing the Treble Treble.
His first full season was a success, as Celtic romped to the title once again. There were famous wins in Europe, as Celtic conquered Italian giants Lazio on two occasions [UEFA]. The wheels came off this season, though, as a lack of tactical cohesion, bad recruitment and poor results led to Lennon’s resignation.
Asked whether his achievements had been forgotten, Lenny was adamant.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live [12:50], Lennon said.
“Yes. Yes. Listen this is the modern age when 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 or dwell on it.
“But five trophies in 18 months was a pretty good return.
“The last six months were pretty difficult on and off the field. Am I hurt? No. I’m a big boy and I understand that’s sometimes part of the job.
“I went in on my own and herded the staff and herded a group of players. That was a huge challenge and one that I embraced and enjoyed immensely.”
Neil Lennon has a grievance, sure, but you’re only as good as your last result at a club like Celtic
Things got ugly this season.
Neil Lennon, undoubtedly a Celtic favourite, became more and more combative and defensive. Against fan revolt, Lennon publicly seemed to working against supporters. Excuses were made, and the inevitable came far too late.
However, it was only because Celtic fans expected so much from Lennon and the squad. A victim of his own success, perhaps, Lennon provided continuity after Rodgers but when things came undone, they came undone quickly. From a personal perspective though, I don’t think my fellow supporters have forgotten the best moments of the last few years that quickly, though.
Special European nights live long in the memory. The 2019 Scottish Cup win will live forever in the memories of supporters. These things don’t go away, and I’m sure that Celtic supporters are still grateful.
It’s just that we went from expectant 10IAR Champions to a laughing stock. That isn’t just on Lennon, we’ve seen other casualties of the era take their leave, too. The standards slipped and the board took their criticism, too.
Lennon is still a hugely important figure of our past. At Celtic, though, you’re only as good as your last result.
READ MORE: How’s yer Italian…?
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