Neil Lennon makes first media appearance since Celtic exit live on radio

By Euan Davidson

March 11, 2021

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has made his first public comments since leaving the club.

Lennon left Celtic after two years, having replaced Brendan Rodgers in 2019 [Celtic FC]. During his spell, he led the Bhoys to titles 8 and 9-in-a-row, and to an unprecedented Quadruple Treble.

However, results in 20-21 were poor. Profoundly bad defeats in Europe and disappointing collapses against Ross County, Livingston and two losses to Rangers meant there was only one outcome. Additionally, Lennon’s relationship with the board was strong, but he wasn’t allowed to bring in his own backroom staff.

Working as an analyst on BBC Radio 5 Live, Lennon helped to cover AC Milan’s clash with Manchester United. Asked about his absence from football, Lennon said:

“Listen I had a brilliant time at Celtic. Absolutely loved it.

“It just wasn’t our season this season.

“The players have achieved some incredible things up there in the last sort of five or six years. It was a real privilege.

“I’ve had a bit of a break. [I’m] staying in the house like everybody else is doing at the minute.”

Neil Lennon reacts during Livingston vs Celtic / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Neil Lennon sounds happy after Celtic exit

You couldn’t blame Neil Lennon for being a little more relaxed these days.

By the end of his tenure at Celtic, things were desperate. His body language and press conferences were routinely concerning. Without supporters there, he could still visibly feel the pressure of 10-in-a-row. Being part of an unsuccessful attempt to make league history will be hurting him deeply.

As angry as we’ve all been at Neil Lennon, it’s good to hear him in a more peaceful mood. Nobody in the Celtic support will have enjoyed criticising the former Bhoys captain, coach and manager.

It bears repeating that Lennon would’ve been most fans’ number 1 choice to lift the 10, given everything he’s been through in Scotland.

Still, that happy ending didn’t come. Celtic are on the hunt for his replacement, with a huge rebuild needed in the summer.

If he’s going to be doing media appearances in the near future, that’s a good sign. Lennon looked bereft and lacking in confidence just a month ago. There’s still a chance that he can garner some goodwill amongst the Celtic support in years to come.

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