Benitez, Clarke or Howe? Celtic fans name their ideal Lennon replacement in online poll

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Celtic are on the hunt for a new manager after Neil Lennon’s resignation

Celtic fans have named Eddie Howe as the man they want to see replace Neil Lennon.

John Kennedy is currently in charge on an interim basis after it was confirmed on Wednesday morning that Lennon has resigned following a tumultuous few months at the club.

A number of names have been linked with the club, including Scotland boss Steve Clarke, former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and ex-Liverpool gaffer Rafa Benitez.

As reported by Record Sport, the likes of Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry and Celtic Park legend Henrik Larsson have also been mentioned in connection with the vacancy.

In an online poll posted in the aftermath of Lennon’s departure, fans were given the choice of Benitez, Clarke or Howe.

Of the 5,269 who took part, only 15.5% opted for Clarke.

It was a tight race between Benitez and Howe, with 33.8% wishing to see Benitez go head-to-head with his former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Ultimately, it was Howe who came out on top, with 36.1% voting for the man who left Bournemouth in 2020 after a second spell in their dugout that lasted almost eight years.

A number of other names were suggested in the comments, with Roberto Martinez mentioned by a number of supporters, some of whom would like to see him continue the coaching partnership with former Celtic star Shaun Maloney that they currently enjoy with the Belgian national team.

Confirming his resignation on the official Celtic website, Lennon 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.”