Celtic manager Neil Lennon has never been the most fashionable choice to lead the Hoops forward.
From the days of his first appointment when a tour of Celtic supporter clubs by Lennon and Peter Lawwell was needed to win over fans, to the post-Scottish Cup drama of him being offered the job in the Hampden showers, he’s always had his doubters.
It seems though that he is finally gaining the ultimate respect of most fans.
His change in tactical system to a 3-5-2 from a 4-2-3-1 after the winter break has been incredibly successful and in some ways could be seen as season-defining.
In the closing stages of 2019, the Bhoys were beginning to look a bit one dimensional on the pitch.
Results remained consistent for the most part but performances left a lot to be desired. There was real concern we could blow nine-in-a-row.
Since Dubai though, Celtic are motoring, scoring 33 goals in 11 matches and conceding just six.
Things couldn’t really be going better and for many, it’s down to this refresh of the side’s shape.
It allows Lennon to better utilise his squad, fitting players such as Olivier Ntcham into his midfield and Leigh Griffiths into his attack where there was no room before.
Griffiths’ flourishing partnership with Odsonne Edouard has been exciting to watch.
The Frenchman has been given more freedom in the new tactical set-up and it’s paying off massively. He’s scored nine goals in his last nine matches.
The countdown to nine-in-a-row is now on and while there’s work ahead for Lennon and his team before that is secured, fans now have confidence it’s a done deal.
These supporters have hailed Lennon in recent days, praising his adaptability in changing system and left overjoyed by the job he continues to do at Celtic Park…
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