Neil Lennon has resigned as Celtic manager after the Scottish Premiership champions fell 18 points behind Rangers in the title race.
The 49-year-old, at the end of his second stint at Parkhead, admitted the club had not been able to “hit the same heights as we did previously” as they chased a 10th consecutive title.
“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,” Lennon said.
“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.”
The former midfielder, who returned to the club after Brendan Rodgers left to take over at Leicester in February 2019, has been under pressure all season but had previously maintained he would not quit.
However, the reigning champions’ defeat to Ross County on Sunday left Old Firm rivals Rangers just seven points away from title.
The defeat also heightened the prospect of Rangers clinching the title at Parkhead on 21 March.
Since returning to the club, Lennon has led Celtic to two titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup.
A club statement said: “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.”
Celtic’s principal 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.”
Celtic are now left searching for a new manager with Lennon’s assistant John Kennedy put in charge on an interim basis.
Kennedy is among the favourites to take the job permanently along with Scotland national team boss Steve Clarke, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez and former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3pMo2OR
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