Celtic have fallen 18 points behind Rangers in a shambolic campaign
Celtic have confirmed the departure of Neil Lennon.
Contrary to reports that emerged on Tuesday night suggesting the manager had been sacked, the club state that Lennon resigned.
Almost two years to the day since he took over from Brendan Rodgers for his second spell as Celtic boss, he has left the club following months of pressure as they’ve lurched from one crisis to another.
In the season that was supposed to end with 10-in-a-row, Celtic now find themselves 18 points behind Rangers with just eight Premiership matches remaining.
The prospect of Steven Gerrard’s men winning the league at Celtic Park is a very real one, and Sunday night’s 1-0 defeat against Ross County appears to have been the final straw.
Lennon’s side have also been knocked out of the Betfred Cup, Champions League and Europa League this season.
The club shared a statement on Wednesday morning confirming Lennon’s departure.
It read: “Celtic Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has resigned from his position as football manager with immediate effect.
“Neil has served the club with distinction as both player and manager, delivering numerous successes, most recently completing the Domestic Treble in December.
“In his second period as Celtic manager, he has achieved five trophy successes, to add to his three League titles and two Scottish Cup victories in his first period as manager.
“Current assistant manager, John Kennedy, will take interim charge of the team.”
Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond added: “Neil is a Celtic legend both as a player and manager. He has given so much to the Club, and with his success over the last number of years – including winning a Treble in his own right – he will be very difficult to replace.
“We thank Neil sincerely for all he has done for the club and we wish him every success going forward.”
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