Newcastle United lost Celtic-linked Rafael Benitez today.
Celtic’s decision to hire Neil Lennon on a permanent basis was polarising to say the least.
Yes, the Northern Irishman, who took over from Brendan Rodgers in February, helped the Hoops win a historic treble Treble, but there were far bigger names linked with being Rodgers’s long-term successor.
According to Di Marzio in Italy, Celtic offered the job to Jose Mourinho, while Rafael Benitez, Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Martinez were also rumoured targets for chief executive Peter Lawwell.
With that in mind, you can understand why some Bhoys supporters were underwhelmed by Lennon, who left his role as Hibernian manager in January.
Benitez is officially a free agent now after Newcastle United confirmed that the Spaniard would not be staying in the North East for another year.
His departure comes three weeks too late for Celtic – whose interest has never been confirmed – but here’s how some fans of the Parkhead side reacted to the announcement.
It’s clearly a bit tongue-in-cheek from the Celtic supporters, because obviously it’s never going to happen, but that isn’t to say that the fans wouldn’t swap Lennon for Benitez if the chance arose.
In truth, it’s harsh on Lennon. He achieved his mandate at Paradise and that entitles him to a full season back in Glasgow.
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