Neil Lennon sensationally walked away from Scottish Premier League champions Celtic on Thursday, as the Northern Irishman seeks a fresh challenge.
Lennon, 42, has won five trophies in four seasons in charge of the Glasgow giants and has guided the Hoops on several successful forays in the UEFA Champions League. In a statement to the BBC Lennon’s agent Martin Reilly confirmed that Celtic’s former club captain wanted to turn over a new leaf and “to look ahead to the next chapter of his career.”
Celtic have won three-straight Scottish titles under Lennon but after uncertainty over the clubs financial budget the former Leicester City and Crewe Alexandra midfielder decided to stand down.
Premier League teams West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur are currently without a coach and Lennon has also been linked to the position at Norwich City who have just been relegated from the PL. Lennon is the 4/1 second favorite to become West Brom’s new manager.
Lennon had reportedly been considering his position for some time and this is what he had to say after stepping down.
“I have parted company with Celtic. I can’t thank (chief executive) Peter Lawwell and the board enough for their backing and support,” Lennon said. “The club are in a very strong position and I wish the fans and the club all the very best for the future.”
Lennon’s departure from Celtic will sadden many home fans who enjoyed watching him win trophies for seven seasons as Celtic Park.His fiery demeanor on the sideline meant the ginger-haired manager was a fans favorite, especially after his spat with Rangers manager Ally McCoist in 2011. Along the way the Celtic job came with plenty of pressure as Lennon was the subject of letter bombs addressed to him and his staff and in 2011 he was attacked by a Hearts fan.
In terms of Lennon’s successor Celtic legend Henrik Larsson, who is current boss of Swedish side Falkenbergs, is the early frontrunner. David Moyes, a former Celtic player, has also been linked with the now vacant position.
