Amid the ongoing debate about whether Neil Lennon should be leaving Celtic now or at the end of the season, there’s another strong hint from him that he is planning on being in charge for a good while yet.
We’ve all seen the comments, the performances, the interviews, pictures on social media of banners and protests. Lennon has plenty of critics and a few fans who still back him. Whatever your view, it is surprising to everyone that he is still in charge.
Many thought he wouldn’t make it through the January transfer window as any potential new manager would want to influence what happened in terms of the squad if they were to step in to see the season out. Lennon remained in charge and it was a window where Celtic made only a solitary addition, that too to replace the outgoing Jeremie Frimpong.
We’ve also seen Lennon continue to talk about the team and it’s future, expressing bemusement about questions on his role and looking further ahead. Further than many might still expect. His media conference on Friday ahead of the weekend match against Motherwell added more suggestions that he is not going anywhere.
Neil Lennon planning for the future at Celtic
As reported by the Daily Record Lennon was asked about the now delayed Scottish Cup for the current season. Although he led the Hoops to a tremendous, record breaking, fourth consecutive treble in December by beating Hearts in a thrilling Scottish Cup final, delayed from earlier last year, he’s not keen to see this season’s delayed as well:
"“We won the cup from last season, this season It’s not ideal.“It’s very surreal, very different. If we can avoid that scenario happening again it would be great and we can prepare as best as we can for that competition.“If we can play it this season then great, because then you’re going to have another backlog of fixtures for the following season.”"
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That suggests he is keen not only to avoid a carry over to next season, but to be around to participate in the Cup and probably aim to achieve a partially redeeming and face saving trophy win this season. He also continued his recent habit of referring to future matches and talking about continuing his preparation for upcoming matches:
"“Then you’re looking at your squad, looking at your fixtures this season, preparing for games that come up and lie ahead.”"
It’s all sounding quite business as usual, the 4-0 victory at Kilmarnock was pleasing. But there is also the possibility that for every bit of stability and return to form by the team, so the likelihood increases of no changes being made at the end of the season. Quite worrying indeed when a new approach is desperately and urgently needed.