‘Can’t say I’m surprised’: Rangers boss Gerrard reacts to Lennon’s Celtic exit amid Ibrox success

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Rangers have contributed to Lennon’d downfall with their superb domestic form

In his third season at Ibrox, Steven Gerrard looks set to land his first trophy.

That impending success has come at the expense of Neil Lennon, who stood down as Celtic manager on Wednesday morning.

Rangers have gone unbeaten in their 30 Premiership matches this season, having conceded just nine goals and dropped only eight points.

That superb run of form has included two wins over Celtic, who are currently 18 points behind their rivals with just eight games left to play.

Wins for both sides in their next two league matches will give Gerrard’s men the opportunity to clinch the title on Celtic’s turf, but the Ibrox boss looks set to come up against interim manager John Kennedy on March 21.

As quoted by Sky Sports, Gerrard was respectful in his reaction to Lennon’s exit.

Speaking ahead of his side’s Europa League second leg against Royal Antwerp, he said: “I can’t say I’m surprised because of what’s been going on over there.

“But I take no personal satisfaction from seeing that news (happen) to Neil or any other fellow manager that happens to. So I wish him well for the future.

“I only really found out about it this morning but obviously the focus for me is on the game tomorrow.” 

Speaking on the official Celtic website, Lennon thanked the club and spoke of his disappointment at how their season has deteriorated.

He said: “We have experienced a difficult season due to so many factors and, of course, it is very frustrating and disappointing that we have not been able to hit the same heights as we did previously.

“I have worked as hard as ever to try and turn things around, but unfortunately we have not managed to get the kind of run going that we have needed.

“I have always given my best to the Club and have been proud to deliver silverware to the Celtic supporters. The Club will always be part of me. I will always be a Celtic supporter myself and I will always want the best for Celtic.

“I would like to thank so many people at the Club who have given me so much and I would also like to thank my family for their love and support. I wish the Celtic supporters, players, staff and directors nothing but success for the future.”