Confirmed: Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon misses out on the managerial return he wanted

By John McGinley

February 11, 2022

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon will not be the new Sunderland manager despite declaring an interest in the post.

Lennon admitted to talkSPORT last week he had gotten the itch to return to the dugout following his resignation from the Bhoys last year. He also suggested he was keen on taking charge at the Stadium of Light.

He told the radio station: “I’m only 50 and I’ve still got the hunger. I don’t want to talk myself up but I still feel there’s plenty to offer.

“It’s a big club with a fantastic fanbase. They’re in a reasonably good position in the league, so that would definitely be one I’d be interested in.”

Subsequently, The Daily Mail reported that Sunderland had been in contact with the multiple-title winning manager.

Unfortunately for Lennon, tonight Sunderland have confirmed Alex Neil has taken up the post, supported by assistant Martin Canning.

Lennon has been linked with a number of jobs since leaving Celtic but so far has remained on regular punditry duties, most notably with BBC Radio 5 Live.

Despite how last season went, he clearly thinks he’s worthy of a prominent job in Scotland or England and has even suggested he’d be willing to move abroad for the right opportunity.

In fairness to him, I think a lot of these clubs could do a lot worse. Alex Neil has down well in the English lower leagues before but I’m not sure he’s a winner like Lennon.

Let’s not forget the former Bhoys captain won a lot of trophies with the club and even took them successfully onto the European stage.

It became clear he was no longer right for Celtic, but I’d be surprised if someone doesn’t call on his services soon since he is actively looking for that role.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou’s full comments on long-term Celtic absentee Christopher Jullien today.