Lennon named Celtic interim manager

Neil Lennon is back in charge of Celtic after Brendan Rodgers left to join Leicester

Neil Lennon has been confirmed as Celtic interim manager until the end of the season after Brendan Rodgers joined Leicester City.

It marks an unlikely return to Parkhead for the Northern Irishman nearly five years after he left the club following an illustrious four-year spell at the helm.

John Kennedy will join him as assistant manager and Damien Duff will be first team coach and Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “This will bring vital continuity and allow us to build on Brendan’s legacy.

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Former Celtic forward Charlie Nicholas believes Neil Lennon should demand the job on a permanent basis

Former Celtic forward Charlie Nicholas believes Neil Lennon should demand the job on a permanent basis

“In bringing Neil back to the club, we have appointed a man who knows what it means to be Celtic manager and someone who knows how to win.

“We know he has the commitment and desire needed to face the challenges ahead. The club is in a great position on and off the field, and with Neil, John and Damien leading the first team, I am sure we can continue our success.”

Lennon left Hibernian by mutual consent in January

Lennon, who won three Scottish Premiership titles and two Scottish Cups between 2010 and 2014, spent a difficult two years at Bolton after leaving Parkhead before taking over Hibernian in 2016.

He left the Edinburgh side in January by mutual consent, which involved the lifting of an initial suspension following a heated team meeting at their East Lothian training base.

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Brendan Rodgers says he is delighted to have joined Leicester City as manager after leaving Celtic following almost three years at the club

Brendan Rodgers says he is delighted to have joined Leicester City as manager after leaving Celtic following almost three years at the club

A month later he has returned to Glasgow and said: “I am absolutely delighted. This is a club which has been such a huge part of my life already and it is an honour to be asked to return.

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Former Celtic forward Kris Commons backs Neil Lennon as he takes over as the Celtic interim manager but says he has “big boots to fill” in Brendan Rodgers.

Former Celtic forward Kris Commons backs Neil Lennon as he takes over as the Celtic interim manager but says he has “big boots to fill” in Brendan Rodgers.

“I have given everything to Celtic as a player and manager already in my career and I am ready to do the same again. I will be doing all I can to continue the great work that has gone on in recent years.”

His first game in charge, with his new team eight points clear of second-placed rivals Rangers at the Scottish Premiership summit, is against Hearts live on Sky Sports on Wednesday night.

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