Surprise manager named as possible Neil Lennon replacement at Celtic

MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Neil Lennon, manager of Celtic during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on November 6, 2020 in Motherwell, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
MOTHERWELL, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 06: Neil Lennon, manager of Celtic during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park on November 6, 2020 in Motherwell, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Neil Lennon is walking the managerial tightrope at Celtic right now and a surprise name has been brought up as a possible replacement.

There is no hiding from the fact that Celtic have not made the start to the season that they were hoping for. They have just managed two wins from their last seven games in all competitions. And Neil Lennon will know that a few more bad results could be enough for him to be shown the exit door.

As things stand, they are chasing the Rangers in the Premiership and are on the brink of being knocked out form the Europa League after managing just a single point from their first three games. Safe to say that things need to change quickly.

Thus, it should come as no surprise that both fans and pundits alike have discussed possible replacements for Neil Lennon in case he is sacked. One name that has not been brought up much is that of Alex Neil.

That did not stop A Celtic State of Mind’s John Dykes from throwing his name into the hypothetical hat. As reported by Video Celts, he said:

"“He reminds me of a young Paul Lambert, guiding Norwich to promotion. I think that he is a highly rated manager down there and by all accounts he has been quoted as a potential Lennon replacement. I don’t think that it is something that anyone envisaged would have to be considered this season. If that was a plan and they are bringing that plan forward would Celtic fans be happier with him or to stay with Neil Lennon?”"

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There is no question that Neil Lennon divides the opinion of Celtic supporters. Some believe that he needs to be gone if the club are to move forward. On the other hand, others are happy to stick with him for the time being. But it is safe to say that the majority of them won’t be happy if they end up replacing him with Alex Neil.

Neil has not had a brilliant managerial career. He managed to take Norwich City to the Premier League but his overall time as manager does not have a lot to write home about. Currently at Preston North End, he has a win percentage of around 40%.

For all of his shortcomings, Neil Lennon has been there and done that. His medals have to have some short of value. And with names like Eddie Howe being thrown about, the appointment of Alex Neil will be a huge anti-climax. Its not saying that he cannot do a job given the chance. But you would expect the board to get a bigger name for 10IAR if they do indeed cut ties with Lennon.