‘Very frustrating’: Neil Lennon thanks Celtic as departure is confirmed

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Celtic have seen their 10-in-a-row hopes crumble

Neil Lennon has thanked the Celtic support in his parting message as reports of his exit are confirmed.

Lennon’s second spell as manager has ended prematurely after a disastrous season for the club, with the Scottish champions currently 18 points behind rivals Rangers.

If Steven Gerrard’s side take seven points from their next eight games they will be crowned champions and deny Celtic 10-in-a-row, with there currently being a real possibility that the feat will be achieved at Celtic Park on March 21.

Lennon has also overseen heavy defeats in Europe this season that have seen them exit the Champions League and Europa League, as well as an embarrassing 2-0 loss at home against Ross County in the Betfred Cup.

That result led to protests from fans outside the stadium, and Sunday night’s defeat against the same opponents in Dingwall served to intensify the pressure.

Celtic released a statement on Wednesday morning confirming Lennon’s departure, which 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.”

Lennon added: “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.”