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{{Short description| |
{{Short description|Northern Irish footballer and manager (born 1971)}} | ||
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{{Use British English|date=December 2012}} | {{Use British English|date=December 2012}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} | ||
{{pp-semi-blp|small=yes}} | |||
{{Infobox football biography | {{Infobox football biography | ||
| name |
| name = Neil Lennon | ||
| image |
| image = Neil lennon and excalibur.jpg | ||
| caption |
| caption = Lennon at ] in 2006 | ||
| |
| full_name = Neil Francis Lennon<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/492035.pdf |title=UCL Booking list 2006 |publisher=UEFA |page=2 |date=18 December 2006 |access-date=1 December 2024}}</ref> | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|6|25|df=y}}<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220050211/http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/celtic-fc/neil-lennon-9199/uefa-champions-league-2006-07_a22580/ |date=20 December 2014 }} Sporting-Heroes</ref> | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|6|25|df=y}} | |||
| birth_place = ], ], Northern Ireland | | birth_place = ], Northern Ireland | ||
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}} | |||
| death_date = | |||
| position = ] | |||
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=9}} | |||
| currentclub = | |||
| position = ] | |||
| youthyears1 = | |||
| currentclub = ] | |||
| youthclubs1 = ] | |||
| youthyears2 = 1986–1987 | |||
| years1 = 1986–1987 | caps1 = 2 | goals1 = 1 | clubs1 = ] | |||
| youthclubs2 = ] | |||
| years2 = 1987–1990 | caps2 = 1 | goals2 = 0 | clubs2 = ] | |||
| youthyears3 = 1987–1989 | |||
| years3 = 1990–1996 | caps3 = 147 | goals3 = 15 | clubs3 = ] | |||
| |
| youthclubs3 = ] | ||
| years1 = 1986–1987 | |||
| years5 = 2000–2007 | caps5 = 214 | goals5 = 3 | clubs5 = ] | |||
| caps1 = 2 | |||
| years6 = 2007–2008 | caps6 = 18 | goals6 = 0 | clubs6 = ] | |||
| goals1 = 1 | |||
| years7 = 2008 | caps7 = 9 | goals7 = 0 | clubs7 = ] | |||
| clubs1 = ] | |||
| totalcaps = 561 | totalgoals = 25 | |||
| years2 = 1987–1990 | |||
| nationalyears1 = 1990–1994 | nationalteam1 = ] | |||
| caps2 = 1 | |||
| nationalcaps1 = 2 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | |||
| goals2 = 0 | |||
| nationalyears2 = 1990 | nationalteam2 = ] | |||
| clubs2 = ] | |||
| nationalcaps2 = 2 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | |||
| years3 = 1990–1996 | |||
| nationalyears3 = 1994 | nationalteam3 = ] | |||
| caps3 = 147 | |||
| nationalcaps3 = 1 | nationalgoals3 = 0 | |||
| goals3 = 15 | |||
| nationalyears4 = 1994–2002 | nationalteam4 = ] | |||
| clubs3 = ] | |||
| nationalcaps4 = 40 | nationalgoals4 = 2 | |||
| years4 = 1996–2000 | |||
| medaltemplates = | |||
| caps4 = 170 | |||
| manageryears1 = 2010–2014 | managerclubs1 = ] | |||
| goals4 = 6 | |||
| manageryears2 = 2014–2016 | managerclubs2 = ] | |||
| clubs4 = ] | |||
| manageryears3 = 2016–2019 | managerclubs3 = ] | |||
| years5 = 2000–2007 | |||
| manageryears4 = 2019–2021 | managerclubs4 = ] | |||
| caps5 = 214 | |||
| manageryears5 = 2022– | |||
| goals5 = 3 | |||
| managerclubs5 = ] | |||
| clubs5 = ] | |||
| years6 = 2007–2008 | |||
| caps6 = 18 | |||
| goals6 = 0 | |||
| clubs6 = ] | |||
| years7 = 2008 | |||
| caps7 = 9 | |||
| goals7 = 0 | |||
| clubs7 = ] | |||
| totalcaps = 561 | |||
| totalgoals = 25 | |||
| nationalyears1 = 1990–1994 | |||
| nationalteam1 = ] | |||
| nationalcaps1 = 2 | |||
| nationalgoals1 = 0 | |||
| nationalyears2 = 1990 | |||
| nationalteam2 = ] | |||
| nationalcaps2 = 2 | |||
| nationalgoals2 = 0 | |||
| nationalyears3 = 1994 | |||
| nationalteam3 = ] | |||
| nationalcaps3 = 1 | |||
| nationalgoals3 = 0 | |||
| nationalyears4 = 1994–2002 | |||
| nationalteam4 = ] | |||
| nationalcaps4 = 40 | |||
| nationalgoals4 = 2 | |||
| medaltemplates = | |||
| manageryears1 = 2008–2009 | |||
| managerclubs1 = ] (assistant) | |||
| manageryears2 = 2009–2010 | |||
| managerclubs2 = ] | |||
| manageryears3 = 2010–2014 | |||
| managerclubs3 = ] | |||
| manageryears4 = 2014–2016 | |||
| managerclubs4 = ] | |||
| manageryears5 = 2016–2019 | |||
| managerclubs5 = ] | |||
| manageryears6 = 2019–2021 | |||
| managerclubs6 = ] | |||
| manageryears7 = 2022 | |||
| managerclubs7 = ] | |||
| manageryears8 = 2024 | |||
| managerclubs8 = ] | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Neil Francis Lennon''' (born 25 June 1971) is a Northern Irish professional ] ] and former player, who was most recently the head coach of ] club ]. | |||
'''Neil Francis Lennon''' (born 25 June 1971)<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220050211/http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/celtic-fc/neil-lennon-9199/uefa-champions-league-2006-07_a22580/ |date=20 December 2014 }} Sporting-Heroes</ref> is a ] coach and former player from Northern Ireland. He is the manager of ] in the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-07 |title=Neil Lennon appointed manager of AC Omonoia Nicosia |url=https://thecelticstar.com/neil-lennon-appointed-manager-of-ac-omonoia-nicosia/ |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=The Celtic Star |language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
During his playing career he represented English clubs ], ] and ]. Lennon moved to Celtic in 2000, where he made over 200 appearances and was appointed ] in 2005. Before retiring as a player, he returned to England and played for ] and ]. Lennon |
During his playing career he represented English clubs ], ] and ]. Lennon moved to Celtic in 2000, where he made over 200 appearances and was appointed ] in 2005. Before retiring as a player, he returned to England and played for ] and ]. Lennon also earned 40 caps for the ] over nine years, scoring two goals. | ||
Lennon was appointed ] of Celtic in March 2010, initially in a caretaker capacity, |
Lennon was appointed ] of former club Celtic in March 2010, initially in a caretaker capacity, following the departure of ].<ref name=CelticAppoint1> ''The Times'', 9 June 2010 {{dead link|date=March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1496724.html|title=Lennon the way forward for Celtic|publisher=UEFA|date=9 June 2010|access-date=2 December 2011|archive-date=2 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102110950/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid%3D1496724.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/celtic/165870-tony-mowbray-leaves-celtic/|title=Tony Mowbray leaves Celtic|work=STV Sport|publisher=STV Group|date=25 March 2010|access-date=24 March 2011|archive-date=6 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406072111/http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/celtic/165870-tony-mowbray-leaves-celtic/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lennon enjoyed significant success as Celtic manager, winning three Scottish league championships, two Scottish Cups, qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League twice and the knockout stages once, before leaving the club in May 2014. After an unsuccessful spell back in England with ], marred by the club's financial problems, Lennon returned to Scottish football in 2016 with ]. He led them to promotion back to the ] in his first season as head coach, and European qualification in his second season, before leaving Hibernian in January 2019. | ||
Lennon returned to Celtic in February 2019, initially on an interim basis for the rest of the ], and guided them to the league and Scottish Cup titles. His contract was renewed and he led Celtic to the Scottish league title again in ]. He also led the team to a fourth consecutive ] by also winning the ] and the ] that season. Lennon left Celtic in February 2021, as the club had fallen far behind ] in the ]. | Lennon returned to Celtic in February 2019, initially on an interim basis for the rest of the ], and guided them to the league and Scottish Cup titles. His contract was renewed and he led Celtic to the Scottish league title again in ]. He also led the team to a fourth consecutive ] by also winning the ] and the ] that season. Lennon left Celtic in February 2021, as the club had fallen far behind ] in the ]. | ||
Lennon returned to football a year later, becoming the new manager of ] club ] in March 2022.<ref>{{cite news |date=7 March 2022 |title=Neil Lennon appointed manager of AC Omonoia Nicosia |url=https://thecelticstar.com/neil-lennon-appointed-manager-of-ac-omonoia-nicosia/ |access-date=8 March 2022 |website=The Celtic Star}}</ref> Less than three months after arriving on the island, he led the club to win the ], their first since 2012. He was sacked in October 2022 due to disappointing results in the domestic league. | |||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
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===Leicester City=== | ===Leicester City=== | ||
In February 1996, Lennon signed for ] for a fee of £750,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Newcastle on the verge of signing Batty |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/newcastle-on-the-verge-of-signing-batty-1320624.html |work=The Independent |date=23 February 1996 |access-date=16 April 2012 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610194628/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/newcastle-on-the-verge-of-signing-batty-1320624.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 1996, Lennon played in the Leicester City side that defeated ] 2–1 at ] in the ] to win promotion to the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rowbottom|first=Mike|title=Claridge's climax shatters Palace|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/claridges-climax-shatters-palace-1349607.html|work=The Independent|access-date=15 November 2013|date=28 May 1996|archive-date=4 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104034550/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/claridges-climax-shatters-palace-1349607.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 April 1997, Lennon picked up his first major winner's medal when Leicester won 1–0 against Middlesbrough in a replayed League Cup Final.<ref>{{cite web|title=Leicester City v Middlesbrough, 16 April 1997|url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/leicester-city-v-middlesbrough-16-april-1997-33240/|work=11v11.com|publisher=AFS Enterprises|access-date=15 November 2013|archive-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216020146/http://www.11v11.com/matches/leicester-city-v-middlesbrough-16-april-1997-33240/|url-status=live}}</ref> He played in a further two League Cup Finals during his time at ], losing 1-0 to ] in March 1999<ref>{{cite news|title=Nielsen nicks it for Spurs|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/300408.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=22 March 1999|access-date=15 November 2013|archive-date=1 April 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030401194506/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/300408.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> but winning 2–1 against ] in February 2000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Leicester triumph at Wembley|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/658945.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=15 November 2013|date=27 February 2000|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831140001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/658945.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | In February 1996, Lennon signed for ] for a fee of £750,000 (£{{Inflation|UK|750000|1996|r=-5|fmt=c}} today).<ref>{{cite news |title=Newcastle on the verge of signing Batty |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/newcastle-on-the-verge-of-signing-batty-1320624.html |work=The Independent |date=23 February 1996 |access-date=16 April 2012 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610194628/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/newcastle-on-the-verge-of-signing-batty-1320624.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 1996, Lennon played in the Leicester City side that defeated ] 2–1 at ] in the ] to win promotion to the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Rowbottom|first=Mike|title=Claridge's climax shatters Palace|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/claridges-climax-shatters-palace-1349607.html|work=The Independent|access-date=15 November 2013|date=28 May 1996|archive-date=4 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104034550/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/claridges-climax-shatters-palace-1349607.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 April 1997, Lennon picked up his first major winner's medal when Leicester won 1–0 against Middlesbrough in a replayed League Cup Final.<ref>{{cite web|title=Leicester City v Middlesbrough, 16 April 1997|url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/leicester-city-v-middlesbrough-16-april-1997-33240/|work=11v11.com|publisher=AFS Enterprises|access-date=15 November 2013|archive-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216020146/http://www.11v11.com/matches/leicester-city-v-middlesbrough-16-april-1997-33240/|url-status=live}}</ref> He played in a further two League Cup Finals during his time at ], losing 1-0 to ] in March 1999<ref>{{cite news|title=Nielsen nicks it for Spurs|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/300408.stm|work=BBC Sport|date=22 March 1999|access-date=15 November 2013|archive-date=1 April 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030401194506/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/300408.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> but winning 2–1 against ] in February 2000.<ref>{{cite news|title=Leicester triumph at Wembley|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/658945.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=15 November 2013|date=27 February 2000|archive-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831140001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/658945.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
An on-field incident during a league match in 1998 against ] between Lennon and ] resulted in the England international being charged with misconduct by the FA,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/88739.stm|title=Shearer charged with misconduct|access-date=5 August 2008|work=BBC Sport|date=7 May 1998|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/88739.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Television footage showed Shearer appearing to intentionally kick Lennon in the head following a challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=337283&root=extratime&cc=5739|title=10 of the worst...Fouls|access-date=5 August 2008|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=27 July 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206164358/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=337283&root=extratime&cc=5739|archive-date=6 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The referee of the game took no action against Shearer. Shearer apologised afterwards, but denied that the contact with Lennon was deliberate, and Lennon later gave evidence in Shearer's defence at the FA hearing which subsequently cleared the Newcastle and England striker of all charges.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/91721.stm|title=Shearer cleared in boot row|access-date=5 August 2008|work=BBC Sport|date=12 May 1998|archive-date=17 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517174437/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/91721.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | An on-field incident during a league match in 1998 against ] between Lennon and ] resulted in the England international being charged with misconduct by the FA,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/88739.stm|title=Shearer charged with misconduct|access-date=5 August 2008|work=BBC Sport|date=7 May 1998|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/football/88739.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Television footage showed Shearer appearing to intentionally kick Lennon in the head following a challenge.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=337283&root=extratime&cc=5739|title=10 of the worst...Fouls|access-date=5 August 2008|publisher=ESPN Soccernet|date=27 July 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206164358/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=337283&root=extratime&cc=5739|archive-date=6 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The referee of the game took no action against Shearer. Shearer apologised afterwards, but denied that the contact with Lennon was deliberate, and Lennon later gave evidence in Shearer's defence at the FA hearing which subsequently cleared the Newcastle and England striker of all charges.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/91721.stm|title=Shearer cleared in boot row|access-date=5 August 2008|work=BBC Sport|date=12 May 1998|archive-date=17 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517174437/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/91721.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Celtic=== | ===Celtic=== | ||
After ] became the new manager of ] in June 2000, he made several attempts to sign Lennon. |
After ] became the new manager of ] in June 2000, he made several attempts to sign Lennon. After months of protracted negotiations with Leicester, on 6 December Lennon joined the club he supported as a boy for a fee of £5.75 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lennon seals Celtic move |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/1054156.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=9 December 2000 |access-date=28 August 2009 |archive-date=26 May 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040526082017/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/1054156.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Ley|first=John |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/2994143/Lennon-realises-dream-to-join-his-idols-Celtic.html|title=Lennon realises dream to join his idols Celtic |access-date=15 November 2013 |date=7 December 2000|work=The Telegraph|archive-date=30 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230194824/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/2994143/Lennon-realises-dream-to-join-his-idols-Celtic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That season saw Lennon pick-up three winner's medals as Celtic won a domestic treble; the ], ] and ]. The next four seasons at Celtic saw Lennon win a further two league championships and two Scottish Cups. He was also an integral part of the Celtic side that reached the ] in 2003, losing 3-2 to Porto after extra time.<ref name="seville">{{cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2002/matches/round=1632/match=71041/postmatch/lineups/index.html |title=2002/03 UEFA Cup Final |publisher=UEFA|access-date=17 November 2013 |archive-date=8 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108083713/http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2002/matches/round=1632/match=71041/postmatch/lineups/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
When ] took over from |
When ] took over from O'Neill as manager in the summer of 2005, he made Lennon the new club ]. In January 2006, when Leicester sacked ], Lennon was linked with a return to the Midlands side in a player-manager role. He went on record saying he was flattered but wanted to captain Celtic to the ] title.<ref name="Lennon plays down Leicester link">{{cite news |title=Lennon plays down Leicester link |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leicester_city/4650708.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2006 |access-date=25 August 2007 |archive-date=10 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060310124105/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/leicester_city/4650708.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Although he was also linked with a move to ] in a player-manager role in the summer of 2006,<ref>{{cite news | title=Crystal Palace open Lennon talks | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/5097682.stm | work=BBC Sport | date=20 June 2006 | access-date=20 June 2006 | archive-date=6 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006202648/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/5097682.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> on 23 June 2006, Celtic announced he had signed a new one-year contract. ] manager ] made an attempt to sign Lennon prior to the closure of the August 2006 transfer window, but his approach for the player was rejected by Celtic. On 25 April 2007, Lennon announced he would be leaving Celtic, and in his last game for the club on 26 May 2007, he captained the team to victory in the ] against ]. Celtic's 1–0 win clinched the League and Cup Double.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/scottish/2007/0526/218308-celtic/ |title=Celtic 1–0 Dunfermline Athletic |access-date=1 November 2014 |date=26 May 2007 |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |archive-date=1 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101163258/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/scottish/2007/0526/218308-celtic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | Although he was also linked with a move to ] in a player-manager role in the summer of 2006,<ref>{{cite news | title=Crystal Palace open Lennon talks | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/5097682.stm | work=BBC Sport | date=20 June 2006 | access-date=20 June 2006 | archive-date=6 October 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006202648/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/5097682.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> on 23 June 2006, Celtic announced he had signed a new one-year contract. ] manager ] made an attempt to sign Lennon prior to the closure of the August 2006 transfer window, but his approach for the player was rejected by Celtic. On 25 April 2007, Lennon announced he would be leaving Celtic, and in his last game for the club on 26 May 2007, he captained the team to victory in the ] against ]. Celtic's 1–0 win clinched the League and Cup Double.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/scottish/2007/0526/218308-celtic/ |title=Celtic 1–0 Dunfermline Athletic |access-date=1 November 2014 |date=26 May 2007 |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |archive-date=1 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101163258/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/scottish/2007/0526/218308-celtic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
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Lennon decided to retire from international football in August 2002 upon receiving a ] before a Northern Ireland match against ]. The threats came after his alleged claim that he wanted to play for a team representing a ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/sports/political%2Bfootball%2Bneil%2Blennon/882547.html |title=Political Football: Neil Lennon |publisher=Channel 4 News |date=5 October 2007 |access-date=2 December 2011 |archive-date=9 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909071301/http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/sports/political+football+neil+lennon/882547.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The threat was allegedly made by the ], although the organisation later denied this.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://sectarianism-in-northern-ireland.posterous.com/who-really-threatened-to-kill-neil-lennon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330011245/http://sectarianism-in-northern-ireland.posterous.com/who-really-threatened-to-kill-neil-lennon |archive-date=30 March 2013 |title=Who really threatened to kill Neil Lennon? |work=Sunday Herald| date=25 August 2002 |access-date=1 December 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/world_at_one/2210080.stm |title=Driven out by hate |work=BBC News |date=22 August 2002 |access-date=25 March 2010 |archive-date=28 June 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030628010031/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/world_at_one/2210080.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> | Lennon decided to retire from international football in August 2002 upon receiving a ] before a Northern Ireland match against ]. The threats came after his alleged claim that he wanted to play for a team representing a ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/sports/political%2Bfootball%2Bneil%2Blennon/882547.html |title=Political Football: Neil Lennon |publisher=Channel 4 News |date=5 October 2007 |access-date=2 December 2011 |archive-date=9 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909071301/http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/sports/political+football+neil+lennon/882547.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The threat was allegedly made by the ], although the organisation later denied this.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://sectarianism-in-northern-ireland.posterous.com/who-really-threatened-to-kill-neil-lennon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330011245/http://sectarianism-in-northern-ireland.posterous.com/who-really-threatened-to-kill-neil-lennon |archive-date=30 March 2013 |title=Who really threatened to kill Neil Lennon? |work=Sunday Herald| date=25 August 2002 |access-date=1 December 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/world_at_one/2210080.stm |title=Driven out by hate |work=BBC News |date=22 August 2002 |access-date=25 March 2010 |archive-date=28 June 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030628010031/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/world_at_one/2210080.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Lennon was capped 40 times by Northern Ireland,<ref Name=Profile/> scoring two goals. He also ] the team on several occasions.{{ |
Lennon was capped 40 times by Northern Ireland,<ref Name=Profile/> scoring two goals. He also ] the team on several occasions.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}} | ||
===International stats=== | |||
<ref>{{Cite web |title=National football team player: Neil Lennon |url=https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/11062/Neil_Lennon.html |access-date=20 May 2024 |website=national-football-teams.com}}</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | |||
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
|- | |||
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals | |||
|- | |||
|rowspan="9"|] | |||
|1994||1||0 | |||
|- | |||
|1995||4||0 | |||
|- | |||
|1996||5||1 | |||
|- | |||
|1997||8||0 | |||
|- | |||
|1998||6||1 | |||
|- | |||
|1999||7||0 | |||
|- | |||
|2000||4||0 | |||
|- | |||
|2001||4||0 | |||
|- | |||
|2002||1||0 | |||
|- | |||
!colspan="2"|Total!!40!!2 | |||
|} | |||
===International goals=== | ===International goals=== | ||
Line 84: | Line 160: | ||
! Goal !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition | ! Goal !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 1 || 5 October 1996 || ], Northern Ireland || {{fb|ARM}} || 1–0 || 1–1 || ]<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029154632/http://www.rsssf.com/intldetails/1996e5.html |date=29 October 2011 }} Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation</ref> | | 1 || 5 October 1996 || ], ], Northern Ireland || {{fb|ARM}} || 1–0 || 1–1 || ]<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111029154632/http://www.rsssf.com/intldetails/1996e5.html |date=29 October 2011 }} Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2 || 18 October 1998 || |
| 2 || 18 October 1998 || Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland || {{fb|MDA}} || 2–2 || 2–2 || ]<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327192715/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nil-intres90.html |date=27 March 2013 }} Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025030203/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Dowie+sparks+recovery+but+slip-ups+are+costly.(Football)-a060702726 |date=25 October 2012 }} ''Birmingham Post'', 19 November 1998 (archived)</ref> | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 104: | Line 180: | ||
He made considerable changes to the Celtic team for the ]. He sold ] for a then Scottish record £9.5 million along with captain ]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/celtic-3-5m-up-on-summer-deals-as-stephen-mcmanus-checks-out-with-efrain-juarez-poised-to-check-in-1.1041148|title=Celtic £3.5m up on summer deals as Stephen McManus checks out with Efrain Juarez poised to check in|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|publisher=Herald & Times Group|date=13 July 2010|access-date=18 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716200457/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/celtic-3-5m-up-on-summer-deals-as-stephen-mcmanus-checks-out-with-efrain-juarez-poised-to-check-in-1.1041148|archive-date=16 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> and goalkeeper ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8812754.stm|title=Goalkeeper Artur Boruc moves to Fiorentina from Celtic|work=BBC Sport|date=15 July 2010|access-date=18 July 2011|archive-date=16 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716194626/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8812754.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> 13 other players also left the club, this gave Lennon enough funds to re-build for the new season. Lennon then went on to sign several talented, young, cheap, relatively unknown players, from smaller leagues around the world;<ref name=signingpolicy /> striker ] arrived from English side ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper signs for Celtic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8852050.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=27 July 2010|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200026/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8852050.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Scunthorpe's Gary Hooper completes £2.5m move to Celtic|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/27/gary-hooper-celtic|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=17 July 2011|date=27 July 2010|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017220059/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/27/gary-hooper-celtic|url-status=live}}</ref> Israeli international ] was signed,<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic sign Israel midfielder Beram Kayal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8849942.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=29 July 2010|archive-date=6 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806230353/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8849942.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic complete signing of Israeli midfielder Biram Kayal|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/29/celtic-transfer-israeli-midfielder-biram-kayal|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=17 July 2011|date=29 July 2010|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017223426/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/29/celtic-transfer-israeli-midfielder-biram-kayal|url-status=live}}</ref> and Honduran left-back ] also signed on.<ref name=signingpolicy>{{cite news |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/celtic/261423-neil-lennon-explains-celtics-recruitment-policy/ |title=Neil Lennon explains Celtic's recruitment policy |publisher=STV Sport |date=6 July 2011 |access-date=18 July 2011 |archive-date=11 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711043401/http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/celtic/261423-neil-lennon-explains-celtics-recruitment-policy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic complete deal for left-back Emilio Izaguirre|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8925044.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=18 August 2010|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8925044.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Lennon also signed several experienced players on free transfers. ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Ananth|first=Adithya|title=Celtic Sign Charlie Mulgrew From Aberdeen on a Free|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/07/01/2004475/celtic-sign-charlie-mulgrew-from-aberdeen-on-a-free|work=Goal.com|access-date=17 July 2011|date=1 July 2010|archive-date=4 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704075042/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/07/01/2004475/celtic-sign-charlie-mulgrew-from-aberdeen-on-a-free|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Defender Charlie Mulgrew seals second Celtic spell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8779638.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=1 July 2010|archive-date=4 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704052430/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8779638.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Joe Ledley moves to Celtic to deepen Cardiff's financial crisis|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/07/joe-ledley-cardiff-celtic|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian News and Media|access-date=17 July 2011|author=Stuart James, Ewan Murray|date=7 July 2010|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017211854/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/07/joe-ledley-cardiff-celtic|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Former Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley signs for Celtic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8805917.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=12 July 2010|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200855/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8805917.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic sign Joe Ledley from Cardiff but move for Jimmy Bullard stalls|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/12/celtic-sign-joe-ledley-cardiff|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian News and Media|agency=Press Association|date=12 July 2010|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202042604/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/12/celtic-sign-joe-ledley-cardiff|url-status=live}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic sign Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8914013.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=16 August 2010|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210821/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8914013.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> all went into the first team. In addition to these Lennon also signed five other players, including ]<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic sign goalkeeper Fraser Forster on loan from Newcastle|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/24/fraser-forster-joins-celtic-loan|work=The Guardian|date=24 August 2010|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202072257/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/24/fraser-forster-joins-celtic-loan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster on Celtic loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8935182.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=24 August 2010|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8935182.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> on loan from ] who became first choice 'keeper and helped set a new ] record for most clean sheets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/fraser-forster-proud-of-role-in-shut-out-success-1.1102140 |title=Fraser Forster proud of role in shut-out success |work=Evening Times |date=18 May 2011 |access-date=18 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830113422/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/fraser-forster-proud-of-role-in-shut-out-success-1.1102140 |archive-date=30 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ] | He made considerable changes to the Celtic team for the ]. He sold ] for a then Scottish record £9.5 million along with captain ]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/celtic-3-5m-up-on-summer-deals-as-stephen-mcmanus-checks-out-with-efrain-juarez-poised-to-check-in-1.1041148|title=Celtic £3.5m up on summer deals as Stephen McManus checks out with Efrain Juarez poised to check in|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|publisher=Herald & Times Group|date=13 July 2010|access-date=18 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716200457/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/celtic/celtic-3-5m-up-on-summer-deals-as-stephen-mcmanus-checks-out-with-efrain-juarez-poised-to-check-in-1.1041148|archive-date=16 July 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> and goalkeeper ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8812754.stm|title=Goalkeeper Artur Boruc moves to Fiorentina from Celtic|work=BBC Sport|date=15 July 2010|access-date=18 July 2011|archive-date=16 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716194626/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8812754.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> 13 other players also left the club, this gave Lennon enough funds to re-build for the new season. Lennon then went on to sign several talented, young, cheap, relatively unknown players, from smaller leagues around the world;<ref name=signingpolicy /> striker ] arrived from English side ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper signs for Celtic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8852050.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=27 July 2010|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200026/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8852050.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Scunthorpe's Gary Hooper completes £2.5m move to Celtic|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/27/gary-hooper-celtic|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=17 July 2011|date=27 July 2010|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017220059/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/27/gary-hooper-celtic|url-status=live}}</ref> Israeli international ] was signed,<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic sign Israel midfielder Beram Kayal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8849942.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=29 July 2010|archive-date=6 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806230353/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8849942.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic complete signing of Israeli midfielder Biram Kayal|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/29/celtic-transfer-israeli-midfielder-biram-kayal|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=17 July 2011|date=29 July 2010|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017223426/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/29/celtic-transfer-israeli-midfielder-biram-kayal|url-status=live}}</ref> and Honduran left-back ] also signed on.<ref name=signingpolicy>{{cite news |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/celtic/261423-neil-lennon-explains-celtics-recruitment-policy/ |title=Neil Lennon explains Celtic's recruitment policy |publisher=STV Sport |date=6 July 2011 |access-date=18 July 2011 |archive-date=11 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711043401/http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-premier/celtic/261423-neil-lennon-explains-celtics-recruitment-policy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic complete deal for left-back Emilio Izaguirre|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8925044.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=18 August 2010|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8925044.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Lennon also signed several experienced players on free transfers. ],<ref>{{cite web|last=Ananth|first=Adithya|title=Celtic Sign Charlie Mulgrew From Aberdeen on a Free|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/07/01/2004475/celtic-sign-charlie-mulgrew-from-aberdeen-on-a-free|work=Goal.com|access-date=17 July 2011|date=1 July 2010|archive-date=4 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704075042/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/07/01/2004475/celtic-sign-charlie-mulgrew-from-aberdeen-on-a-free|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Defender Charlie Mulgrew seals second Celtic spell|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8779638.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=1 July 2010|archive-date=4 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704052430/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8779638.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Joe Ledley moves to Celtic to deepen Cardiff's financial crisis|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/07/joe-ledley-cardiff-celtic|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian News and Media|access-date=17 July 2011|author=Stuart James, Ewan Murray|date=7 July 2010|archive-date=17 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017211854/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/07/joe-ledley-cardiff-celtic|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Former Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley signs for Celtic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8805917.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=12 July 2010|archive-date=8 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200855/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8805917.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic sign Joe Ledley from Cardiff but move for Jimmy Bullard stalls|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/12/celtic-sign-joe-ledley-cardiff|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian News and Media|agency=Press Association|date=12 July 2010|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202042604/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/12/celtic-sign-joe-ledley-cardiff|url-status=live}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic sign Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8914013.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=16 August 2010|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210821/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8914013.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> all went into the first team. In addition to these Lennon also signed five other players, including ]<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic sign goalkeeper Fraser Forster on loan from Newcastle|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/24/fraser-forster-joins-celtic-loan|work=The Guardian|date=24 August 2010|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202072257/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/24/fraser-forster-joins-celtic-loan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster on Celtic loan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8935182.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 July 2011|date=24 August 2010|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210829/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8935182.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> on loan from ] who became first choice 'keeper and helped set a new ] record for most clean sheets.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/fraser-forster-proud-of-role-in-shut-out-success-1.1102140 |title=Fraser Forster proud of role in shut-out success |work=Evening Times |date=18 May 2011 |access-date=18 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830113422/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/fraser-forster-proud-of-role-in-shut-out-success-1.1102140 |archive-date=30 August 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ] | ||
On 28 July, in his first competitive game as full-time manager, Celtic lost 3–0 away to ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8860029.stm|title=Braga 3–0 Celtic|work=BBC Sport|date=28 July 2010|access-date=29 July 2010|archive-date=29 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729045237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8860029.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Celtic won their first eight league matches under Lennon, although controversy erupted in their 2–1 win away at ] on 17 October 2010. Celtic were awarded a penalty kick in the second half, but the decision was then rescinded by referee Dougie McDonald. McDonald explained after the match that he over-ruled the penalty award on the advice of the assistant referee. Lennon reluctantly accepted McDonald's explanation, commenting "I suppose you have to put it down to another honest mistake by the referee."<ref>{{cite news|title=Hoops striker Hooper believes it was a 'bad decision'|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2932/scottish-premiership/2010/10/17/2170173/celtic-boss-neil-lennon-left-fuming-at-dougie-macdonalds|access-date=28 December 2015|work=Goal.com|date=17 October 2010|archive-date=25 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225034913/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2932/scottish-premiership/2010/10/17/2170173/celtic-boss-neil-lennon-left-fuming-at-dougie-macdonalds|url-status=live}}</ref> It was, however, later revealed that McDonald had lied in his explanation over the penalty award and the referee subsequently resigned several weeks later having received a warning from the Scottish Football Association after failing to properly explain his overturning of the penalty award.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9236198.stm|title=Referee Dougie McDonald opts to retire|work=BBC Sport|date=28 November 2010|access-date=28 November 2010|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/9236198.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Further |
On 28 July, in his first competitive game as full-time manager, Celtic lost 3–0 away to ] in the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8860029.stm|title=Braga 3–0 Celtic|work=BBC Sport|date=28 July 2010|access-date=29 July 2010|archive-date=29 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729045237/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8860029.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Celtic won their first eight league matches under Lennon, although controversy erupted in their 2–1 win away at ] on 17 October 2010. Celtic were awarded a penalty kick in the second half, but the decision was then rescinded by referee Dougie McDonald. McDonald explained after the match that he over-ruled the penalty award on the advice of the assistant referee. Lennon reluctantly accepted McDonald's explanation, commenting "I suppose you have to put it down to another honest mistake by the referee."<ref>{{cite news|title=Hoops striker Hooper believes it was a 'bad decision'|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2932/scottish-premiership/2010/10/17/2170173/celtic-boss-neil-lennon-left-fuming-at-dougie-macdonalds|access-date=28 December 2015|work=Goal.com|date=17 October 2010|archive-date=25 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160225034913/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2932/scottish-premiership/2010/10/17/2170173/celtic-boss-neil-lennon-left-fuming-at-dougie-macdonalds|url-status=live}}</ref> It was, however, later revealed that McDonald had lied in his explanation over the penalty award and the referee subsequently resigned several weeks later having received a warning from the Scottish Football Association after failing to properly explain his overturning of the penalty award.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9236198.stm|title=Referee Dougie McDonald opts to retire|work=BBC Sport|date=28 November 2010|access-date=28 November 2010|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/9236198.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Further refereeing controversy ensued the following week when Celtic lost their unbeaten run in the league, losing 3–1 at home against Rangers. The Ibrox club's third goal came as a result of penalty awarded when Rangers' ] fell to the ground under a challenge from Celtic's ]. Lennon stated afterwards that he felt the referee "got a couple of decisions wrong", and added regarding the penalty, "I'm not sure that he saw it so I don't know why he's given it. He's got a lot of questions to answer".<ref name="telg">{{cite news|last=Grahame|first=Ewing|title=Rookie referee Willie Collum in the Old Firm spotlight as Celtic lose perfect record|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/8084204/Rookie-referee-Willie-Collum-in-the-Old-Firm-spotlight-as-Celtic-lose-perfect-record.html|access-date=28 December 2015|work=The Telegraph|date=24 October 2015|archive-date=30 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130130833/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/rangers/8084204/Rookie-referee-Willie-Collum-in-the-Old-Firm-spotlight-as-Celtic-lose-perfect-record.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In November, Lennon led Celtic to a 9–0 win over ], a record win in the ] and Aberdeen's heaviest ever defeat.<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic 9–0 Aberdeen: Atrocious Dons suffer biggest defeat in club history|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/celtic-9-0-aberdeen-atrocious-dons-suffer-biggest-defeat-in-club-history-1-1370138|access-date=28 December 2015|work=The Scotsman|date=6 November 2010|archive-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112182446/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/celtic-9-0-aberdeen-atrocious-dons-suffer-biggest-defeat-in-club-history-1-1370138|url-status=live}}</ref> Celtic lost their next game 2–0 away against Hearts, with Celtic's ] sent off for the first time in his career for a "strong" challenge on ]. Celtic were later denied a penalty award in the second half, and shortly afterwards Lennon was sent to the stand by the referee. Lennon defended Ledley after the match, describing referee Craig Thomson's decision as "ridiculous".<ref>{{cite web|last=McHugh|first=Joe|title=Ledley questions red card decision|url=http://videocelts.com/2010/11/blogs/ledleydefenbdesredcarddecisio|publisher=Video Celts|access-date=28 December 2013|date=12 November 2010|archive-date=30 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230231929/http://videocelts.com/2010/11/blogs/ledleydefenbdesredcarddecisio|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Celtic manager Neil Lennon rails at referee|url=http://espnfc.com/news/story?id=840873&cc=5739|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131229232846/http://espnfc.com/news/story?id=840873&cc=5739|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 December 2013|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=29 December 2013|date=11 November 2010}}</ref> Lennon was later given a six match touchline ban for excessive misconduct as a result of the incident in the Hearts' game, although it was later reduced to four matches after appeal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/celtic-accept-reduced-neil-lennon-ban-2232332.html|title=Celtic accept reduced Neil Lennon ban|work=The Independent|date=4 March 2011|access-date=24 March 2011|archive-date=7 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307195821/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/celtic-accept-reduced-neil-lennon-ban-2232332.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was given another four match touchline ban by the ] following an altercation with Rangers assistant manager ] after a ] match in March 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9421620.stm|title=Ally McCoist and Neil Lennon receive Hampden final bans|work=BBC Sport|date=10 March 2011|access-date=24 March 2011|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210835/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/9421620.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Lennon led Celtic to the ] of the ] in March 2011, but they lost 2–1 to Rangers after extra time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/9428470.stm|title=Celtic 1–2 Rangers|work=BBC Sport|date=20 March 2011|access-date=24 March 2011|first=Andy|last=Campbell|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/9428470.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> They remained in contention for the ] title until the final day of the 2010–11 season, when they won 4–0 at home to ], but finished a point behind Rangers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9484608.stm |title=Celtic 4–0 Motherwell |work=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2011 |last=Burke |first=Andy |access-date=15 May 2011 |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/9484608.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He won his first silverware as a manager when Celtic beat Motherwell 3–0 in the ] a week later.<ref name="Cup11">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/9491542.stm|title=Motherwell 0–3 Celtic|work=BBC Sport|date=21 May 2011|access-date=21 May 2011|first=Martin|last=Conaghan|archive-date=22 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522112459/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/9491542.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | Lennon led Celtic to the ] of the ] in March 2011, but they lost 2–1 to Rangers after extra time.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/9428470.stm|title=Celtic 1–2 Rangers|work=BBC Sport|date=20 March 2011|access-date=24 March 2011|first=Andy|last=Campbell|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210839/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/9428470.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> They remained in contention for the ] title until the final day of the 2010–11 season, when they won 4–0 at home to ], but finished a point behind Rangers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9484608.stm |title=Celtic 4–0 Motherwell |work=BBC Sport |date=15 May 2011 |last=Burke |first=Andy |access-date=15 May 2011 |archive-date=6 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206210843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/9484608.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He won his first silverware as a manager when Celtic beat Motherwell 3–0 in the ] a week later.<ref name="Cup11">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/9491542.stm|title=Motherwell 0–3 Celtic|work=BBC Sport|date=21 May 2011|access-date=21 May 2011|first=Martin|last=Conaghan|archive-date=22 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522112459/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_cups/9491542.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
After rallying from a poor start to season 2011–12, Lennon won the SPL Manager of the Month award for November 2011.<ref name="Nov11">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16110735.stm |title=Celtic's Neil Lennon, Gary Hooper and James Forrest win awards |work=BBC Sport |date=9 December 2011 |access-date=9 December 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822093355/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16110735 |url-status=live }}</ref> The club went on to win the ] and Lennon was made ].<ref name = "sfwa 2012"/> Lennon then guided Celtic through two qualification rounds to reach the group stage of the ], where Celtic beat ] one day after the club's 125th birthday.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/nov/07/celtic-barcelona-champions-league-report |title=Celtic shock Barcelona with goals from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt |work=The Guardian |date=7 November 2012 |access-date=7 November 2012 |archive-date=11 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111195458/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/nov/07/celtic-barcelona-champions-league-report |url-status=live }}</ref> Celtic qualified out of their group to the knock-out stages of the Champions League.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lamont |first=Alasdair |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20522174 |title=Celtic 2–1 Spartak Moscow |work=BBC Sport |date=5 December 2012 |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017064715/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20522174 |url-status=live }}</ref> Celtic were comfortably beaten on aggregate by ] in the last 16 round, but both Celtic and Lennon were still praised for their overall Champions League campaign.<ref>{{cite news |author=Jeff Stelling |url=http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12088_8235533,00.html |title=Celtic win over Barcelona compels Jeff Stelling to tackle a challenging problem |publisher=Sky Sports |date=8 November 2012 |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112134917/http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12088_8235533,00.html |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jeff Stelling |url=http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12088_8313877,00.html |title=Man City could learn a lot from Celtic's Champions League exploits |publisher=Sky Sports |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112134809/http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12088_8313877,00.html |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 21 April 2013, Celtic retained the ] title. Lennon finished the season by leading Celtic to a League and Cup double with a 3–0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Final.<ref name="Cup13">{{cite news |last=Lamont |first=Alasdair |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22585339 |title=Scottish Cup final: Hibernian 0–3 Celtic |work=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2013 |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-date=14 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114202645/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22585339 |url-status=live }}</ref> | After rallying from a poor start to season 2011–12, Lennon won the SPL Manager of the Month award for November 2011.<ref name="Nov11">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16110735.stm |title=Celtic's Neil Lennon, Gary Hooper and James Forrest win awards |work=BBC Sport |date=9 December 2011 |access-date=9 December 2011 |archive-date=22 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822093355/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16110735 |url-status=live }}</ref> The club went on to win the ] and Lennon was made ].<ref name = "sfwa 2012"/> Lennon then guided Celtic through two qualification rounds to reach the group stage of the ], where Celtic beat ] one day after the club's 125th birthday.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/nov/07/celtic-barcelona-champions-league-report |title=Celtic shock Barcelona with goals from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt |work=The Guardian |date=7 November 2012 |access-date=7 November 2012 |archive-date=11 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111195458/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/nov/07/celtic-barcelona-champions-league-report |url-status=live }}</ref> Celtic qualified out of their group to the knock-out stages of the Champions League.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lamont |first=Alasdair |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20522174 |title=Celtic 2–1 Spartak Moscow |work=BBC Sport |date=5 December 2012 |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017064715/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20522174 |url-status=live }}</ref> Celtic were comfortably beaten on aggregate by ] in the last 16 round, but both Celtic and Lennon were still praised for their overall Champions League campaign.<ref>{{cite news |author=Jeff Stelling |url=http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12088_8235533,00.html |title=Celtic win over Barcelona compels Jeff Stelling to tackle a challenging problem |publisher=Sky Sports |date=8 November 2012 |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112134917/http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12088_8235533,00.html |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jeff Stelling |url=http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12088_8313877,00.html |title=Man City could learn a lot from Celtic's Champions League exploits |publisher=Sky Sports |date=6 December 2012 |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112134809/http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,25212,12088_8313877,00.html |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 21 April 2013, Celtic retained the ] title. Lennon finished the season by leading Celtic to a League and Cup double with a 3–0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Final.<ref name="Cup13">{{cite news |last=Lamont |first=Alasdair |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22585339 |title=Scottish Cup final: Hibernian 0–3 Celtic |work=BBC Sport |date=26 May 2013 |access-date=12 November 2013 |archive-date=14 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114202645/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22585339 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Celtic qualified for the group stages of the Champions League again the following season,<ref>{{cite web|title=Barcelona, Milan, Ajax and Celtic drawn together|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1986806.html|publisher=UEFA|access-date=17 February 2014|date=29 August 2013|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221050839/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1986806.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but had a dismal campaign; winning only once with a 2–1 home win over Ajax,<ref>{{cite news|last=Lamont|first=Alasdair|title=Celtic 2 Ajax 1|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24614436|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 February 2014|date=22 October 2013|archive-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310190234/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24614436|url-status=live}}</ref> and slumping to a 6–1 rout away against Barcelona in the final group match.<ref name="thrash">{{cite news|last=Lamont|first=Alasdair|title=Barcelona 6 Celtic 1|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25303700|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 February 2014|date=11 December 2013|archive-date=19 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219103855/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25303700|url-status=live}}</ref> They fared little better in the domestic cup competitions; losing 1-0 to ] in their first game in the ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic 0–1 Morton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24122182|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 March 2014|date=24 September 2014|archive-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310233745/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24122182|url-status=live}}</ref> and losing 2-1 to ] in the fourth round of the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Calum|title=Celtic 1 – 2 Aberdeen|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25995228|access-date=17 March 2014|date=8 February 2014|archive-date=9 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309221051/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25995228|url-status=live}}</ref> The League campaign was much more impressive through; undefeated until February and losing only twice in all over the course of the season in which they scored 102 goals on the way to their third successive League title.<ref name="Lg14">{{cite web|title=Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 1: champion Hoops take home the trophy|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/celtic-3-dundee-utd-1-celtic-confirm-champion-status-with-united-win-and-take-home-th.1399815846|work=Herald|access-date=12 May 2014|date=11 May 2014|archive-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109182230/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/celtic-3-dundee-utd-1-celtic-confirm-champion-status-with-united-win-and-take-home-th.1399815846|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 May 2014, Lennon announced that he was leaving Celtic after four years as manager. "I have parted company with Celtic," he said in a brief statement, adding "The club are in a very strong position and I wish the fans and the club all the very best for the future."<ref>{{cite news|last=McLaughlin|first=Chris|title=Neil Lennon ends his four-year spell as manager|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27519596|work=BBC Sport|access-date=22 May 2014|date=22 May 2014|archive-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522145644/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27519596|url-status=live}}</ref> | Celtic qualified for the group stages of the Champions League again the following season,<ref>{{cite web|title=Barcelona, Milan, Ajax and Celtic drawn together|url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1986806.html|publisher=UEFA|access-date=17 February 2014|date=29 August 2013|archive-date=21 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221050839/http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1986806.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but had a dismal campaign; winning only once with a 2–1 home win over Ajax,<ref>{{cite news|last=Lamont|first=Alasdair|title=Celtic 2 Ajax 1|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24614436|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 February 2014|date=22 October 2013|archive-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310190234/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24614436|url-status=live}}</ref> and slumping to a 6–1 rout away against Barcelona in the final group match.<ref name="thrash">{{cite news|last=Lamont|first=Alasdair|title=Barcelona 6 Celtic 1|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25303700|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 February 2014|date=11 December 2013|archive-date=19 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219103855/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25303700|url-status=live}}</ref> They fared little better in the domestic cup competitions; losing 1-0 to ] in their first game in the ],<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic 0–1 Morton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24122182|work=BBC Sport|access-date=17 March 2014|date=24 September 2014|archive-date=10 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310233745/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24122182|url-status=live}}</ref> and losing 2-1 to ] in the fourth round of the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Calum|title=Celtic 1 – 2 Aberdeen|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25995228|access-date=17 March 2014|date=8 February 2014|archive-date=9 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309221051/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25995228|url-status=live}}</ref> The League campaign was much more impressive through; undefeated until February and losing only twice in all over the course of the season in which they scored 102 goals on the way to their third successive League title.<ref name="Lg14">{{cite web|title=Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 1: champion Hoops take home the trophy|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/celtic-3-dundee-utd-1-celtic-confirm-champion-status-with-united-win-and-take-home-th.1399815846|work=Herald|access-date=12 May 2014|date=11 May 2014|archive-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109182230/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/celtic-3-dundee-utd-1-celtic-confirm-champion-status-with-united-win-and-take-home-th.1399815846|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 May 2014, Lennon announced that he was leaving Celtic after four years as manager. "I have parted company with Celtic," he said in a brief statement, adding "The club are in a very strong position and I wish the fans and the club all the very best for the future."<ref>{{cite news|last=McLaughlin|first=Chris|title=Neil Lennon ends his four-year spell as manager|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27519596|work=BBC Sport|access-date=22 May 2014|date=22 May 2014|archive-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522145644/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27519596|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Bolton Wanderers=== | ===Bolton Wanderers=== | ||
Lennon was announced as the new manager of ] on 12 October 2014, signing a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Neil Lennon: Bolton appoint ex-Celtic boss as manager|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29589068|access-date=12 October 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=12 October 2014|archive-date=13 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013022743/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29589068|url-status=live}}</ref> He won his first game in charge 1–0 against ] at ] stadium, although he was sent to the stands in the 81st minute after an altercation with referee Mark |
Lennon was announced as the new manager of ] on 12 October 2014, signing a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=Neil Lennon: Bolton appoint ex-Celtic boss as manager|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29589068|access-date=12 October 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=12 October 2014|archive-date=13 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013022743/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29589068|url-status=live}}</ref> He won his first game in charge 1–0 against ] at ] stadium, although he was sent to the stands in the 81st minute after an altercation with referee Mark Haywood caused by Lennon leaving his technical area before ] penalty was saved.<ref>{{cite news|title=Birmingham 0–1 Bolton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29579621|work=BBC Sport|access-date=18 October 2014|date=18 October 2014|archive-date=12 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212102611/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29579621|url-status=live}}</ref> Lennon's first three months in charge saw Bolton rise ten places from bottom of the league up to fourteenth; a spell that included an eight match unbeaten run and four consecutive clean sheets.<ref>{{cite news|title=Millwall 0 – 1 Bolton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30443728|work=BBC Sport|access-date=20 December 2014|format=19 December 2014|archive-date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219211530/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30443728|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Huddersfield 2 – 1 Bolton Wanderers Bolton|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30566395|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2 January 2015|date=28 December 2014|archive-date=30 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230231221/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30566395|url-status=live}}</ref> Bolton reached the fourth round of the ] and took ] to a replay before conceding a last minute goal to lose 2–1 and go out.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Neil Lennon: Bolton boss angry with 'rubbish' referee Roger East|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31142324|website=BBC Sport|access-date=7 July 2015|date=5 February 2015|archive-date=17 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317160725/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/31142324|url-status=live}}</ref> Things didn't go well for Lennon thereafter, with Bolton winning only one of their last 11 games of the season,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Collins|first1=Ben|title=Neil Lennon admits Bolton summer will be his toughest yet|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-lennon-admits-bolton-summer-9400794|access-date=7 July 2015|work=Manchester Evening News|date=5 June 2015|archive-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708121517/http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-lennon-admits-bolton-summer-9400794|url-status=live}}</ref> and ] and ] being suspended by Lennon for off-field indiscipline.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Iles|first1=Marc|title=Neil Lennon suspends Neil Danns and Barry Bannan 'indefinitely' after Bolton Wanderers hotel fracas|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/12898939.Lennon_suspends_two_players__indefinitely__after_hotel_fracas/?ref=rss|access-date=7 July 2015|work=The Bolton News|date=18 April 2015|archive-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708105438/http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/12898939.Lennon_suspends_two_players__indefinitely__after_hotel_fracas/?ref=rss|url-status=live}}</ref> Bolton did however succeed in avoiding relegation, finishing 18th in the league.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bolton 0 – 1 Birmingham|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32459761|website=BBC Sport|access-date=7 July 2015|date=2 May 2015|archive-date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705182722/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32459761|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Bolton struggled at the start of the following season, and by October 2015 were lying bottom of the table with only one win in their first eleven league games.<ref name="bol15">{{cite news|last=Iles|first=Marc|title=I will turn this around, promises Bolton Wanderers boss Neil Lennon|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/13877899.I_will_turn_this_around__promises_Bolton_Wanderers_boss_Neil_Lennon/|access-date=20 October 2015|work=The Bolton News|date=19 October 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208163822/http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/13877899.I_will_turn_this_around__promises_Bolton_Wanderers_boss_Neil_Lennon/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lennon maintained confidence in his ability to improve Bolton's fortunes, stating "I didn't realise quite how tough it was going to be but I have got faith in my own ability and I believe we'll turn things around."<ref name="bol15" /> By the end of November 2015, Bolton had gone on a run of twelve games without a win, and remained bottom of the Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bolton Wanderers FC|url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/bolton-wanderers-football-club/666/|work=Soccerway|publisher=Perform Group|access-date=2 December 2015|archive-date=7 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007234306/http://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/bolton-wanderers-football-club/666/|url-status=live}}</ref> At this time, the club announced that their squad had not been paid this month "due to a short-term funding issue" in a statement which came hours before their 1–1 draw with Brentford. In that game, Bolton striker ] was seen on television mouthing an insult towards Lennon, although the manager played down the incident afterwards, stating "I don't know what he said. He's a Geordie, I can't understand him! It was probably reciprocated!"<ref>{{cite news|title=Neil Lennon: no guarantee if Bolton's players will be paid after Brentford draw|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/30/bolton-brentford-championship-match-report|access-date=2 December 2015|work=The Guardian|date=30 November 2015|archive-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201192823/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/30/bolton-brentford-championship-match-report|url-status=live}}</ref> Bolton continued to struggle and, with the club at the bottom of the table, Lennon left by "mutual consent" on 15 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Neil Lennon: Bolton Wanderers manager leaves by mutual consent|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35811267|access-date=16 March 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=15 March 2016|archive-date=31 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531073327/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35811267|url-status=live}}</ref> | Bolton struggled at the start of the following season, and by October 2015 were lying bottom of the table with only one win in their first eleven league games.<ref name="bol15">{{cite news|last=Iles|first=Marc|title=I will turn this around, promises Bolton Wanderers boss Neil Lennon|url=http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/13877899.I_will_turn_this_around__promises_Bolton_Wanderers_boss_Neil_Lennon/|access-date=20 October 2015|work=The Bolton News|date=19 October 2015|archive-date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208163822/http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/13877899.I_will_turn_this_around__promises_Bolton_Wanderers_boss_Neil_Lennon/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lennon maintained confidence in his ability to improve Bolton's fortunes, stating "I didn't realise quite how tough it was going to be but I have got faith in my own ability and I believe we'll turn things around."<ref name="bol15" /> By the end of November 2015, Bolton had gone on a run of twelve games without a win, and remained bottom of the Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bolton Wanderers FC|url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/bolton-wanderers-football-club/666/|work=Soccerway|publisher=Perform Group|access-date=2 December 2015|archive-date=7 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007234306/http://int.soccerway.com/teams/england/bolton-wanderers-football-club/666/|url-status=live}}</ref> At this time, the club announced that their squad had not been paid this month "due to a short-term funding issue" in a statement which came hours before their 1–1 draw with Brentford. In that game, Bolton striker ] was seen on television mouthing an insult towards Lennon, although the manager played down the incident afterwards, stating "I don't know what he said. He's a Geordie, I can't understand him! It was probably reciprocated!"<ref>{{cite news|title=Neil Lennon: no guarantee if Bolton's players will be paid after Brentford draw|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/30/bolton-brentford-championship-match-report|access-date=2 December 2015|work=The Guardian|date=30 November 2015|archive-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201192823/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/nov/30/bolton-brentford-championship-match-report|url-status=live}}</ref> Bolton continued to struggle and, with the club at the bottom of the table, Lennon left by "mutual consent" on 15 March 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Neil Lennon: Bolton Wanderers manager leaves by mutual consent|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35811267|access-date=16 March 2016|work=BBC Sport|date=15 March 2016|archive-date=31 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531073327/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35811267|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
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On 26 February 2019, Lennon was appointed manager of ] for a second time, taking over until the end of the campaign following ]' mid-season departure for ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47371095 |title=Celtic: Neil Lennon replaces Brendan Rodgers as manager |work=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2019 |access-date=26 February 2019 |archive-date=26 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226144018/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47371095 |url-status=live }}</ref> Having helped the club achieve an unprecedented third domestic treble ("treble treble"), Lennon was appointed permanent manager for a second time at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48472791 |title=Celtic appoint Neil Lennon as manager for second time |work=BBC Sport |date=31 May 2019 |access-date=31 May 2019 |archive-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531144931/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48472791 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2019–20 season saw very similar success, even following the suspension of professional football as a result of the ]. The season was later curtailed and the title awarded to Celtic, who were thirteen points clear at the time of suspension, equalling the ] set by Celtic in the 1970s and matched by ] in the 1990s. In addition to the league, they were once again victorious in the ] and ] cups, giving the club their fourth consecutive domestic treble. | On 26 February 2019, Lennon was appointed manager of ] for a second time, taking over until the end of the campaign following ]' mid-season departure for ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47371095 |title=Celtic: Neil Lennon replaces Brendan Rodgers as manager |work=BBC Sport |date=26 February 2019 |access-date=26 February 2019 |archive-date=26 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226144018/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47371095 |url-status=live }}</ref> Having helped the club achieve an unprecedented third domestic treble ("treble treble"), Lennon was appointed permanent manager for a second time at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48472791 |title=Celtic appoint Neil Lennon as manager for second time |work=BBC Sport |date=31 May 2019 |access-date=31 May 2019 |archive-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531144931/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48472791 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2019–20 season saw very similar success, even following the suspension of professional football as a result of the ]. The season was later curtailed and the title awarded to Celtic, who were thirteen points clear at the time of suspension, equalling the ] set by Celtic in the 1970s and matched by ] in the 1990s. In addition to the league, they were once again victorious in the ] and ] cups, giving the club their fourth consecutive domestic treble. | ||
Following a positive start to the ], Lennon came under significant criticism after the club underwent a poor run of results that began with a 2–0 ] home loss to Rangers on 17 October; this was followed by failure to qualify for the ] group stage, elimination from the ] in the group stage and elimination from the ] in the second round, ending the possibility of a fifth consecutive treble. As calls were made for Lennon to be sacked and fans began to protest outside |
Following a positive start to the ], Lennon came under significant criticism after the club underwent a poor run of results that began with a 2–0 ] home loss to Rangers on 17 October; this was followed by failure to qualify for the ] group stage, elimination from the ] in the group stage and elimination from the ] in the second round, ending the possibility of a fifth consecutive treble. As calls were made for Lennon to be sacked and fans began to protest outside ] following their elimination from the League Cup, the board of directors released a statement on 7 December in which they voiced full support of Lennon and his back room staff.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.celticfc.com/news/2020/december/Board-Statement/|title = Board Statement| date=7 December 2020 }}</ref> After a brief turnaround in results, Celtic lost the second Old Firm game of the season on 2 January, and calls were once again made for Lennon to be removed from his position as hopes of a historic tenth title faded. | ||
Lennon was also criticised for taking the squad on a training trip to Dubai in January, during which two players contracted ];<ref name = dubai>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/18/neil-lennon-dubai-criticism-celtic |title=Neil Lennon furious at Dubai criticism: 'You're all wanting blood, it's scandalous' |first=Ewan |last=Murray |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 January 2021 |accessdate=24 February 2021}}</ref> health protocols meant that 13 players and three coaches, including Lennon, had to be quarantined for 10 days after they returned.<ref name = dubai/> They consequently missed league matches with ] and ], both of which were drawn.<ref name = dubai/> There were more fan protests after a home defeat by ], the first time the ] club had won at Celtic Park since 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caughtoffside.com/2021/01/30/at-least-mowbray-knew-when-to-go-these-celtic-fans-cannot-believe-neil-lennon-is-still-in-a-job-after-humiliation-vs-st-mirren/|title="At least Mowbray knew when to go" – These Celtic fans cannot believe Neil Lennon is still in a job after humiliation vs St Mirren|date = 2 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=McDougall |first1=Mark |title=Celtic fans stage Neil Lennon protest online as fans use same image to call for manager's exit |url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-fans-stage-neil-lennon-19748271https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-fans-stage-neil-lennon-19748271 |website=www.glasgowlive.co.uk |publisher=GlasgowLive |date=1 February 2021}}</ref> Despite previously stating that he would not resign, Lennon left the club on 24 February 2021 following a 1–0 defeat to ], which left Celtic 18 points behind Rangers in the title race.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55130253 |title=Neil Lennon: Celtic manager resigns with side 18 points adrift of Rangers |website=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2021 |accessdate=24 February 2021}}</ref> | Lennon was also criticised for taking the squad on a training trip to Dubai in January, during which two players contracted ];<ref name = dubai>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/18/neil-lennon-dubai-criticism-celtic |title=Neil Lennon furious at Dubai criticism: 'You're all wanting blood, it's scandalous' |first=Ewan |last=Murray |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 January 2021 |accessdate=24 February 2021}}</ref> health protocols meant that 13 players and three coaches, including Lennon, had to be quarantined for 10 days after they returned.<ref name = dubai/> They consequently missed league matches with ] and ], both of which were drawn.<ref name = dubai/> There were more fan protests after a home defeat by ], the first time the ] club had won at Celtic Park since 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caughtoffside.com/2021/01/30/at-least-mowbray-knew-when-to-go-these-celtic-fans-cannot-believe-neil-lennon-is-still-in-a-job-after-humiliation-vs-st-mirren/|title="At least Mowbray knew when to go" – These Celtic fans cannot believe Neil Lennon is still in a job after humiliation vs St Mirren|date = 2 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=McDougall |first1=Mark |title=Celtic fans stage Neil Lennon protest online as fans use same image to call for manager's exit |url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-fans-stage-neil-lennon-19748271https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-fans-stage-neil-lennon-19748271 |website=www.glasgowlive.co.uk |publisher=GlasgowLive |date=1 February 2021}}</ref> Despite previously stating that he would not resign, Lennon left the club on 24 February 2021 following a 1–0 defeat to ], which left Celtic 18 points behind Rangers in the title race.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55130253 |title=Neil Lennon: Celtic manager resigns with side 18 points adrift of Rangers |website=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2021 |accessdate=24 February 2021}}</ref> | ||
=== Omonia === | === Omonia === | ||
On 8 March 2022, Lennon was appointed head coach of ] side ] on a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing former ] defender ].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60654131|title = Lennon appointed Omonia Nicosia manager| work = BBC Sport}}</ref> On 25 May, Lennon led the club to their first trophy under his leadership, as they defeated ] on penalties to win the ]; during extra time, Lennon received a red card and was ordered to leave the touchline by the referee.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/neil-lennon-first-trophy-with-omonia-nicosia-sees-former-celtic-boss-red-carded-after-touchline-meltdown-3709245 | title = Neil Lennon first trophy with Omonia Nicosia sees former Celtic boss red carded after touchline meltdown | newspaper = The Scotsman | date = 25 May 2022 | access-date = 20 August 2022 }}</ref> | |||
Ahead of the ] season, Lennon recruited players who he had managed at former clubs, including ] and ], whom he had managed at ], and ], whom he had managed at ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Neil Lennon signs Adam Matthews as ex-Celtic star completes Omonia Nicosia transfer |url=https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/neil-lennon-signs-adam-matthews-24303305 |work=Glasgow Live |date=23 June 2022 |access-date=23 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Neil Lennon secures Celtic reunion as Gary Hooper signs up for crack at Europa League with Omonia Nicosia |url=https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/spfl/scottish-premiership/neil-lennon-secures-celtic-reunion-24920610.amp |website=Football Scotland | date = 2 September 2022 | access-date = 4 September 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2022 |title=Καταρχήν συμφωνία με Brandon Barker |url=https://www.omonoiafc.com.cy/%ce%ba%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%b1%cf%81%cf%87%ce%ae%ce%bd-%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bc%cf%86%cf%89%ce%bd%ce%af%ce%b1-%ce%bc%ce%b5-brandon-barker/ |access-date=30 June 2022 |publisher=AC Omonoia |language=Greek}}</ref> After defeat in the ] to ],<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-lennon-watches-cypriot-super-24748156.amp | title = Neil Lennon watches Cypriot Super Cup final turn into 'garbage dump' as ex-Celtic boss loses out | work = Glasgow Live | date = 13 August 2022 | access-date = 28 August 2022 }}</ref> Lennon's Omonia team shocked Belgian side ] 4–0 on aggregate to qualify for the ] group stage.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/neil-lennon-leads-omonia-stunning-24856997.amp | title = Neil Lennon leads Omonia to stunning European triumph as former Celtic boss leads Belgian heroics | work = Glasgow Live | date = 25 August 2022 |access-date = 28 August 2022 }}</ref> Despite respectable showings against ] and ] in the group stage, Lennon was sacked on 18 October 2022 due to disappointing results in the domestic league, including losses to newly-promoted sides ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.omonoiafc.com.cy/%ce%b4%ce%b9%ce%b1%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%80%ce%ae-%cf%83%cf%85%ce%bd%ce%b5%cf%81%ce%b3%ce%b1%cf%83%ce%af%ce%b1%cf%82-%ce%bc%ce%b5-%ce%ba-%ce%bd%ce%b9%ce%bb-%ce%bb%ce%ad%ce%bd%ce%bf%ce%bd/|title=Διακοπή συνεργασίας με κ. Νιλ Λένον|trans-title=Termination of cooperation with Mr. Neil Lennon|publisher=AC Omonia|language=Greek|date=18 October 2022|access-date=18 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Former Celtic boss Lennon sacked by Omonia Nicosia |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63304845 |access-date=2022-11-10}}</ref> | |||
On 8 March 2022, Lennon was appointed head coach of ] side ] on a two-and-a-half year deal, replacing former ] defender ].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60654131|title = Lennon appointed Omonia Nicosia manager|work = BBC Sport}}</ref> On May 26, Lennon led the club to their first trophy under his leadership, as they defeated ] on penalties to win the ]; during extra time, Lennon received a red card and was ordered to leave the touchline by the referee.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/neil-lennon-first-trophy-with-omonia-nicosia-sees-former-celtic-boss-red-carded-after-touchline-meltdown-3709245 | title=Neil Lennon first trophy with Omonia Nicosia sees former Celtic boss red carded after touchline meltdown }}</ref> | |||
===Rapid București=== | |||
On 20 May 2024, Lennon was officially presented as the manager of ] club ], joining the Romanian side on a two-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fcrapid.ro/neil-lennon-este-noul-antrenor-principal-al-rapidului/|title=NEIL LENNON ESTE NOUL ANTRENOR PRINCIPAL AL RAPIDULUI|trans-title=NEIL LENNON IS RAPID'S NEW HEAD COACH|publisher=FC Rapid București|lang=ro|date=20 May 2024|accessdate=20 May 2024}}</ref> On 20 August 2024, just after signing twelve players and recording no wins in six matches, Lennon was sacked after three months in charge. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cd9dj88317xo | title=Neil Lennon: Rapid Bucharest sack head coach after six matches | date=20 August 2024 }}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Line 143: | Line 223: | ||
==Managerial statistics== | ==Managerial statistics== | ||
{{updated|match played |
{{updated|match played 18 August 2024}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=2187 |title=Neil Lennon managerial statistics |work=Soccerbase |publisher=CenturyComm |access-date=13 March 2013 |archive-date=20 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130220213534/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=2187 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
{| class=wikitable style="text-align: center" | {| class=wikitable style="text-align: center" | ||
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|- | |- | ||
!rowspan=2|Team | !rowspan=2|Team | ||
!rowspan=2|Nat | |||
!rowspan=2|From | !rowspan=2|From | ||
!rowspan=2|To | !rowspan=2|To | ||
Line 156: | Line 237: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=left|] | |align=left|] | ||
|{{Flagicon|Scotland}} | |||
|align=left|25 March 2010 | |align=left|25 March 2010 | ||
|align=left|22 May 2014 | |align=left|22 May 2014 | ||
Line 161: | Line 243: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=left|] | |align=left|] | ||
|{{Flagicon|England}} | |||
|align=left|12 October 2014 | |align=left|12 October 2014 | ||
|align=left|15 March 2016 | |align=left|15 March 2016 | ||
Line 166: | Line 249: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=left|] | |align=left|] | ||
|{{Flagicon|Scotland}} | |||
|align=left|8 June 2016 | |align=left|8 June 2016 | ||
|align=left|30 January 2019 | |align=left|30 January 2019 | ||
Line 171: | Line 255: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=left|Celtic | |align=left|Celtic | ||
|{{Flagicon|Scotland}} | |||
|align=left|26 February 2019 | |align=left|26 February 2019 | ||
|align=left|24 February 2021 | |align=left|24 February 2021 | ||
{{WDL|110|77|17|16|decimals=2}} | {{WDL|110|77|17|16|decimals=2}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=left|] | |align=left|] | ||
|{{Flagicon|Cyprus}} | |||
|align=left|8 March 2022 | |align=left|8 March 2022 | ||
|align=left| |
|align=left|18 October 2022 | ||
{{WDL| |
{{WDL|29|11|8|10|decimals=2}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=left|] | |||
!colspan=3|Total | |||
|{{Flagicon|Romania}} | |||
{{WDLtot|554|319|120|115|decimals=2}} | |||
|align=left|20 May 2024 | |||
|align=left|20 August 2024 | |||
{{WDL|6|0|5|1|decimals=2}} | |||
|- | |||
!colspan=4|Total | |||
{{WDLtot|574|324|125|125|decimals=2}} | |||
|} | |} | ||
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'''Leicester City''' | '''Leicester City''' | ||
*] |
*]: ],<ref name=Revival/> ];<ref name=Revival/> runner-up: ]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/300408.stm |title=Nielsen nicks it for Spurs |website=BBC Sport |date=22 March 1999 |access-date=30 March 2024}}</ref> | ||
*]: ]<ref name = "ni football">{{cite web | title=Neil Lennon profile | url=http://nifootball.blogspot.com/2007/01/neil-lennon.html | publisher=NIFG | access-date=23 May 2019 | date=28 January 2007 | archive-date=17 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517195037/http://nifootball.blogspot.com/2007/01/neil-lennon.html | url-status=live }}</ref> | *]: ]<ref name = "ni football">{{cite web | title=Neil Lennon profile | url=http://nifootball.blogspot.com/2007/01/neil-lennon.html | publisher=NIFG | access-date=23 May 2019 | date=28 January 2007 | archive-date=17 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517195037/http://nifootball.blogspot.com/2007/01/neil-lennon.html | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
'''Celtic''' | '''Celtic''' | ||
*] |
*]: ],<ref name=Revival/> ],<ref name=Revival/> ],<ref name=Revival/> ],<ref name=Revival/> ]<ref name=Revival/> | ||
*] |
*]: ],<ref name=Revival/> ],<ref name = "ni football"/> ],<ref name = "ni football"/> ]<ref name=Revival/> | ||
*] |
*]: ],<ref name=Revival/> ]<ref name=Revival/> | ||
*] runner-up: ]<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 May 2003|title=Porto end Celtic's Uefa dream|language=en-GB|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3043029.stm|access-date=4 May 2020|archive-date=5 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505230853/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3043029.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | *] runner-up: ]<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 May 2003|title=Porto end Celtic's Uefa dream|language=en-GB|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3043029.stm|access-date=4 May 2020|archive-date=5 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505230853/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3043029.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
'''Nottingham Forest''' | '''Nottingham Forest''' | ||
*] promotion: ]<ref name = "ni football"/> | *] promotion: ]<ref name = "ni football"/> | ||
'''Individual''' | |||
*]: ],<ref name="Lynch 150">{{cite book |last=Lynch |title=The Official P.F.A. Footballers Heroes |page=150}}</ref> ],<ref name="Lynch 150"/> ]<ref>{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The 1996–97 Official PFA Footballers Factfile |year=1996 |publisher=Queen Anne Press |location=Harpenden |isbn=978-1-85291-571-1 |page=285}}</ref> | |||
===Manager=== | ===Manager=== | ||
'''Celtic''' | '''Celtic''' | ||
*] / ] |
*] / ]: ],<ref name="sfwa 2012" /> ],<ref name = "ni football"/> ],<ref name="Lg14" /> ], ]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52646282 | title=Celtic champions & Hearts relegated after SPFL ends season | work=BBC Sport | access-date=18 May 2020 | date=18 May 2020 | archive-date=18 May 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518114202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52646282 | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
*] |
*]: ],<ref name="Cup11" /> ],<ref name="Cup13"/> ], ]<ref name=cup20>, Ewan Murray, The Guardian, 20 December 2020</ref> | ||
*]: ]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50672183 | title=Rangers |
*]: ]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50672183 | title=Rangers 0–1 Celtic | work=BBC Sport | access-date=9 December 2019 | date=8 December 2019 | archive-date=9 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209142305/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50672183 | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
'''Hibernian''' | '''Hibernian''' | ||
*]: ]<ref name = "hibs promotion"/> | *]: ]<ref name = "hibs promotion"/> | ||
''' |
'''Omonia''' | ||
*]: ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meikle |first= |
*]: ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meikle |first=Blair |date=25 May 2022 |title=Neil Lennon guides Omonia Nicosia to Cypriot Cup despite sending off |url=https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/scots-abroad/neil-lennon-guides-omonia-nicosia-24063153 |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=Football Scotland}}</ref> | ||
==Awards and achievements== | ==Awards and achievements== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{commons category}} | |||
*{{Soccerbase}} | |||
* Northern Ireland Football Greats | * Northern Ireland Football Greats | ||
{{AC Omonia squad}} | |||
{{Navboxes | {{Navboxes | ||
| title = Awards | | title = Awards | ||
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{{Hibernian F.C. managers}} | {{Hibernian F.C. managers}} | ||
{{AC Omonia managers}} | {{AC Omonia managers}} | ||
{{FC Rapid București managers}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 19:36, 1 December 2024
Northern Irish footballer and manager (born 1971)
Lennon at Celtic Park in 2006 | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Neil Francis Lennon | ||
Date of birth | (1971-06-25) 25 June 1971 (age 53) | ||
Place of birth | Lurgan, Northern Ireland | ||
Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Youth career | |||
Lurgan Celtic | |||
1986–1987 | Glenavon | ||
1987–1989 | Manchester City | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1986–1987 | Glenavon | 2 | (1) |
1987–1990 | Manchester City | 1 | (0) |
1990–1996 | Crewe Alexandra | 147 | (15) |
1996–2000 | Leicester City | 170 | (6) |
2000–2007 | Celtic | 214 | (3) |
2007–2008 | Nottingham Forest | 18 | (0) |
2008 | Wycombe Wanderers | 9 | (0) |
Total | 561 | (25) | |
International career | |||
1990–1994 | Northern Ireland U21 | 2 | (0) |
1990 | Northern Ireland U23 | 2 | (0) |
1994 | Northern Ireland B | 1 | (0) |
1994–2002 | Northern Ireland | 40 | (2) |
Managerial career | |||
2008–2009 | Celtic (assistant) | ||
2009–2010 | Celtic B | ||
2010–2014 | Celtic | ||
2014–2016 | Bolton Wanderers | ||
2016–2019 | Hibernian | ||
2019–2021 | Celtic | ||
2022 | Omonia | ||
2024 | Rapid București | ||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Neil Francis Lennon (born 25 June 1971) is a Northern Irish professional football manager and former player, who was most recently the head coach of Liga I club Rapid București.
During his playing career he represented English clubs Manchester City, Crewe Alexandra and Leicester City. Lennon moved to Celtic in 2000, where he made over 200 appearances and was appointed captain in 2005. Before retiring as a player, he returned to England and played for Nottingham Forest and Wycombe Wanderers. Lennon also earned 40 caps for the Northern Ireland national team over nine years, scoring two goals.
Lennon was appointed manager of former club Celtic in March 2010, initially in a caretaker capacity, following the departure of Tony Mowbray. Lennon enjoyed significant success as Celtic manager, winning three Scottish league championships, two Scottish Cups, qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League twice and the knockout stages once, before leaving the club in May 2014. After an unsuccessful spell back in England with Bolton Wanderers, marred by the club's financial problems, Lennon returned to Scottish football in 2016 with Hibernian. He led them to promotion back to the Scottish Premiership in his first season as head coach, and European qualification in his second season, before leaving Hibernian in January 2019.
Lennon returned to Celtic in February 2019, initially on an interim basis for the rest of the 2018–19 season, and guided them to the league and Scottish Cup titles. His contract was renewed and he led Celtic to the Scottish league title again in 2019–20. He also led the team to a fourth consecutive domestic treble by also winning the League Cup and the Scottish Cup that season. Lennon left Celtic in February 2021, as the club had fallen far behind Rangers in the 2020–21 Scottish Premiership.
Lennon returned to football a year later, becoming the new manager of Cypriot club Omonia in March 2022. Less than three months after arriving on the island, he led the club to win the Cypriot Cup, their first since 2012. He was sacked in October 2022 due to disappointing results in the domestic league.
Early life
Lennon was born in Lurgan, County Armagh and attended St Michael's Grammar School in the town. As a youngster he played gaelic football for the school and was also selected for the Armagh minor team. He grew up supporting Celtic and played football for the local Lurgan Celtic youth team.
Club career
Early career
Lennon joined Glenavon, after reaching the final of the Milk Cup with Glenavon Select and scored on his Irish League debut. He then joined Manchester City as a trainee in 1987. He made one first team appearance during his time in Manchester, a league match on 30 April 1988 away against Birmingham City, before signing for Crewe Alexandra on a free transfer in August 1990. Lennon made his debut for Crewe on 18 September 1990 against Reading. Despite missing the whole of season 1991–92 due to a back injury, he became an established member of the side and impressed with his intelligent play and consistent performances. Lennon's form saw him make his debut for Northern Ireland in 1994, and thus became the first Crewe Alexandra player in 60 years to win a full international cap. In 5+1⁄2 years at Crewe, Lennon made 187 appearances for the club and scored 18 goals.
Leicester City
In February 1996, Lennon signed for Leicester City for a fee of £750,000 (£1,800,000 today). In May 1996, Lennon played in the Leicester City side that defeated Crystal Palace 2–1 at Wembley in the Play-off Final to win promotion to the Premier League. On 16 April 1997, Lennon picked up his first major winner's medal when Leicester won 1–0 against Middlesbrough in a replayed League Cup Final. He played in a further two League Cup Finals during his time at Filbert Street, losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in March 1999 but winning 2–1 against Tranmere Rovers in February 2000.
An on-field incident during a league match in 1998 against Newcastle United between Lennon and Alan Shearer resulted in the England international being charged with misconduct by the FA, Television footage showed Shearer appearing to intentionally kick Lennon in the head following a challenge. The referee of the game took no action against Shearer. Shearer apologised afterwards, but denied that the contact with Lennon was deliberate, and Lennon later gave evidence in Shearer's defence at the FA hearing which subsequently cleared the Newcastle and England striker of all charges.
Celtic
After Martin O'Neill became the new manager of Celtic in June 2000, he made several attempts to sign Lennon. After months of protracted negotiations with Leicester, on 6 December Lennon joined the club he supported as a boy for a fee of £5.75 million. That season saw Lennon pick-up three winner's medals as Celtic won a domestic treble; the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup. The next four seasons at Celtic saw Lennon win a further two league championships and two Scottish Cups. He was also an integral part of the Celtic side that reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2003, losing 3-2 to Porto after extra time.
When Gordon Strachan took over from O'Neill as manager in the summer of 2005, he made Lennon the new club captain. In January 2006, when Leicester sacked Craig Levein, Lennon was linked with a return to the Midlands side in a player-manager role. He went on record saying he was flattered but wanted to captain Celtic to the Scottish Premier League title.
Although he was also linked with a move to Crystal Palace in a player-manager role in the summer of 2006, on 23 June 2006, Celtic announced he had signed a new one-year contract. Sunderland manager Roy Keane made an attempt to sign Lennon prior to the closure of the August 2006 transfer window, but his approach for the player was rejected by Celtic. On 25 April 2007, Lennon announced he would be leaving Celtic, and in his last game for the club on 26 May 2007, he captained the team to victory in the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline Athletic. Celtic's 1–0 win clinched the League and Cup Double.
Later career
Lennon joined League One club Nottingham Forest on a one-year contract with an option for a second year on 12 June 2007. He made his debut captaining the side in a 0–0 draw at home to AFC Bournemouth. He missed a week's training with Forest in November 2007, because of family reasons in Scotland, and lost his place in the team as a consequence.
Lennon joined Wycombe Wanderers of League Two on a free transfer on 31 January 2008, managed by his former Celtic midfield partner Paul Lambert. He left on 3 April to take up a coaching role with Celtic.
International career
Lennon made his international debut for Northern Ireland on 11 June 1994 when he come on as a substitute in a friendly against Mexico in Miami. He had to wait nearly a year for his next cap when he played against Chile in another friendly. Lennon made his first competitive appearance three months later on 3 September 1995 in a European Championship qualifier away against Portugal. After that, Lennon became a fixture in the international side although Northern Ireland were unsuccessful in their attempts to qualify for the finals of major tournaments.
Lennon decided to retire from international football in August 2002 upon receiving a death threat before a Northern Ireland match against Cyprus. The threats came after his alleged claim that he wanted to play for a team representing a United Ireland. The threat was allegedly made by the Loyalist Volunteer Force, although the organisation later denied this.
Lennon was capped 40 times by Northern Ireland, scoring two goals. He also captained the team on several occasions.
International stats
National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
---|---|---|---|
Northern Ireland | 1994 | 1 | 0 |
1995 | 4 | 0 | |
1996 | 5 | 1 | |
1997 | 8 | 0 | |
1998 | 6 | 1 | |
1999 | 7 | 0 | |
2000 | 4 | 0 | |
2001 | 4 | 0 | |
2002 | 1 | 0 | |
Total | 40 | 2 |
International goals
Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first
Goal | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 5 October 1996 | Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland | Armenia | 1–0 | 1–1 | 1998 World Cup qualification |
2 | 18 October 1998 | Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland | Moldova | 2–2 | 2–2 | Euro 2000 qualification |
Managerial career
Lennon was linked with the vacant manager's job at Hibernian after the resignation of John Collins, but the job was given to Mixu Paatelainen. Lennon's first coaching appointment was as first team coach with Celtic in 2008. After the appointment of Tony Mowbray as Celtic manager, Lennon took charge of the Celtic reserve team.
Celtic won the Jock Stein Friendship Cup match on penalties in his first match. With no reserve league, the team played a series of friendlies in Ireland against the first teams of Cork City, Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers, and Cliftonville, losing only once. They played several times in England against Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Chelsea, Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United and Sunderland.
Celtic
Following Mowbray's departure from Celtic on 25 March 2010, Lennon was appointed caretaker manager for the remainder of the 2009–10 season. He appointed former teammate Johan Mjällby as his assistant. Celtic won all of their remaining league games under Lennon, including wins over Kilmarnock, Hibernian, and Rangers, but lost 2–0 to First Division side Ross County in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. In the aftermath of that defeat, Lennon spoke frankly about the Celtic players and their performances over the course of the season. He said that they had lacked "hunger and desire" and that whether he was installed as manager or not, he would be recommending a significant clear-out of players to the board.
Lennon was appointed manager of Celtic on a full-time basis on 9 June 2010. He retained Mjällby as his assistant, as well as former Celtic teammate Alan Thompson and former Leicester City teammate Garry Parker as first-team coaches
He made considerable changes to the Celtic team for the 2010–11 season. He sold Aiden McGeady for a then Scottish record £9.5 million along with captain Stephen McManus and goalkeeper Artur Boruc. 13 other players also left the club, this gave Lennon enough funds to re-build for the new season. Lennon then went on to sign several talented, young, cheap, relatively unknown players, from smaller leagues around the world; striker Gary Hooper arrived from English side Scunthorpe, Israeli international Beram Kayal was signed, and Honduran left-back Emilio Izaguirre also signed on. Lennon also signed several experienced players on free transfers. Charlie Mulgrew, Joe Ledley, and Daniel Majstorović all went into the first team. In addition to these Lennon also signed five other players, including Fraser Forster on loan from Newcastle who became first choice 'keeper and helped set a new SPL record for most clean sheets.
On 28 July, in his first competitive game as full-time manager, Celtic lost 3–0 away to Braga in the UEFA Champions League. Celtic won their first eight league matches under Lennon, although controversy erupted in their 2–1 win away at Dundee United on 17 October 2010. Celtic were awarded a penalty kick in the second half, but the decision was then rescinded by referee Dougie McDonald. McDonald explained after the match that he over-ruled the penalty award on the advice of the assistant referee. Lennon reluctantly accepted McDonald's explanation, commenting "I suppose you have to put it down to another honest mistake by the referee." It was, however, later revealed that McDonald had lied in his explanation over the penalty award and the referee subsequently resigned several weeks later having received a warning from the Scottish Football Association after failing to properly explain his overturning of the penalty award. Further refereeing controversy ensued the following week when Celtic lost their unbeaten run in the league, losing 3–1 at home against Rangers. The Ibrox club's third goal came as a result of penalty awarded when Rangers' Kirk Broadfoot fell to the ground under a challenge from Celtic's Daniel Majstorović. Lennon stated afterwards that he felt the referee "got a couple of decisions wrong", and added regarding the penalty, "I'm not sure that he saw it so I don't know why he's given it. He's got a lot of questions to answer". In November, Lennon led Celtic to a 9–0 win over Aberdeen, a record win in the Scottish Premier League and Aberdeen's heaviest ever defeat. Celtic lost their next game 2–0 away against Hearts, with Celtic's Joe Ledley sent off for the first time in his career for a "strong" challenge on Ian Black. Celtic were later denied a penalty award in the second half, and shortly afterwards Lennon was sent to the stand by the referee. Lennon defended Ledley after the match, describing referee Craig Thomson's decision as "ridiculous". Lennon was later given a six match touchline ban for excessive misconduct as a result of the incident in the Hearts' game, although it was later reduced to four matches after appeal. He was given another four match touchline ban by the SFA following an altercation with Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist after a Scottish Cup match in March 2011.
Lennon led Celtic to the final of the League Cup in March 2011, but they lost 2–1 to Rangers after extra time. They remained in contention for the SPL title until the final day of the 2010–11 season, when they won 4–0 at home to Motherwell, but finished a point behind Rangers. He won his first silverware as a manager when Celtic beat Motherwell 3–0 in the Scottish Cup Final a week later.
After rallying from a poor start to season 2011–12, Lennon won the SPL Manager of the Month award for November 2011. The club went on to win the 2011–12 Scottish Premier League and Lennon was made SFWA Manager of the Year. Lennon then guided Celtic through two qualification rounds to reach the group stage of the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League, where Celtic beat Barcelona one day after the club's 125th birthday. Celtic qualified out of their group to the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Celtic were comfortably beaten on aggregate by Juventus in the last 16 round, but both Celtic and Lennon were still praised for their overall Champions League campaign. On 21 April 2013, Celtic retained the Premier League title. Lennon finished the season by leading Celtic to a League and Cup double with a 3–0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Final.
Celtic qualified for the group stages of the Champions League again the following season, but had a dismal campaign; winning only once with a 2–1 home win over Ajax, and slumping to a 6–1 rout away against Barcelona in the final group match. They fared little better in the domestic cup competitions; losing 1-0 to Morton in their first game in the Scottish League Cup, and losing 2-1 to Aberdeen in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. The League campaign was much more impressive through; undefeated until February and losing only twice in all over the course of the season in which they scored 102 goals on the way to their third successive League title. On 22 May 2014, Lennon announced that he was leaving Celtic after four years as manager. "I have parted company with Celtic," he said in a brief statement, adding "The club are in a very strong position and I wish the fans and the club all the very best for the future."
Bolton Wanderers
Lennon was announced as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers on 12 October 2014, signing a four-year contract. He won his first game in charge 1–0 against Birmingham City at St Andrew's stadium, although he was sent to the stands in the 81st minute after an altercation with referee Mark Haywood caused by Lennon leaving his technical area before Craig Davies's penalty was saved. Lennon's first three months in charge saw Bolton rise ten places from bottom of the league up to fourteenth; a spell that included an eight match unbeaten run and four consecutive clean sheets. Bolton reached the fourth round of the FA Cup and took Liverpool to a replay before conceding a last minute goal to lose 2–1 and go out. Things didn't go well for Lennon thereafter, with Bolton winning only one of their last 11 games of the season, and Barry Bannan and Neil Danns being suspended by Lennon for off-field indiscipline. Bolton did however succeed in avoiding relegation, finishing 18th in the league.
Bolton struggled at the start of the following season, and by October 2015 were lying bottom of the table with only one win in their first eleven league games. Lennon maintained confidence in his ability to improve Bolton's fortunes, stating "I didn't realise quite how tough it was going to be but I have got faith in my own ability and I believe we'll turn things around." By the end of November 2015, Bolton had gone on a run of twelve games without a win, and remained bottom of the Championship. At this time, the club announced that their squad had not been paid this month "due to a short-term funding issue" in a statement which came hours before their 1–1 draw with Brentford. In that game, Bolton striker Gary Madine was seen on television mouthing an insult towards Lennon, although the manager played down the incident afterwards, stating "I don't know what he said. He's a Geordie, I can't understand him! It was probably reciprocated!" Bolton continued to struggle and, with the club at the bottom of the table, Lennon left by "mutual consent" on 15 March 2016.
Hibernian
Lennon was appointed head coach of Scottish Championship club Hibernian in June 2016. He led the "Hibees" to the Scottish Championship title and promotion back to the Scottish Premiership (after a three-season absence) in his first season. In September 2017, Lennon and Hibs agreed to extend his contract to the end of the 2019–20 season. Hibs finished fourth in the 2017–18 Scottish Premiership and qualified for the Europa League.
On 25 January 2019, Lennon was suspended by Hibernian following an exchange with other club employees. On 30 January, it was announced that he and assistant coach Garry Parker had left the club by mutual consent. A club statement said that "neither Neil nor Garry has been guilty of any misconduct or wrongdoing and no disciplinary process has been commenced. The suspension, put in place to allow an internal review, was lifted by the club as part of this agreement."
Return to Celtic
On 26 February 2019, Lennon was appointed manager of Celtic for a second time, taking over until the end of the campaign following Brendan Rodgers' mid-season departure for Leicester City. Having helped the club achieve an unprecedented third domestic treble ("treble treble"), Lennon was appointed permanent manager for a second time at the end of the season. The 2019–20 season saw very similar success, even following the suspension of professional football as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The season was later curtailed and the title awarded to Celtic, who were thirteen points clear at the time of suspension, equalling the national record of nine consecutive championships set by Celtic in the 1970s and matched by Rangers in the 1990s. In addition to the league, they were once again victorious in the League and Scottish cups, giving the club their fourth consecutive domestic treble.
Following a positive start to the 2020–21 campaign, Lennon came under significant criticism after the club underwent a poor run of results that began with a 2–0 Old Firm home loss to Rangers on 17 October; this was followed by failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage, elimination from the Europa League in the group stage and elimination from the League Cup in the second round, ending the possibility of a fifth consecutive treble. As calls were made for Lennon to be sacked and fans began to protest outside Celtic Park following their elimination from the League Cup, the board of directors released a statement on 7 December in which they voiced full support of Lennon and his back room staff. After a brief turnaround in results, Celtic lost the second Old Firm game of the season on 2 January, and calls were once again made for Lennon to be removed from his position as hopes of a historic tenth title faded.
Lennon was also criticised for taking the squad on a training trip to Dubai in January, during which two players contracted COVID-19; health protocols meant that 13 players and three coaches, including Lennon, had to be quarantined for 10 days after they returned. They consequently missed league matches with Hibernian and Livingston, both of which were drawn. There were more fan protests after a home defeat by St Mirren, the first time the Paisley club had won at Celtic Park since 1990. Despite previously stating that he would not resign, Lennon left the club on 24 February 2021 following a 1–0 defeat to Ross County, which left Celtic 18 points behind Rangers in the title race.
Omonia
On 8 March 2022, Lennon was appointed head coach of Cypriot First Division side Omonia on a two-and-a-half-year deal, replacing former Rangers defender Henning Berg. On 25 May, Lennon led the club to their first trophy under his leadership, as they defeated Ethnikos Achna on penalties to win the Cypriot Cup; during extra time, Lennon received a red card and was ordered to leave the touchline by the referee.
Ahead of the 2022–23 season, Lennon recruited players who he had managed at former clubs, including Adam Matthews and Gary Hooper, whom he had managed at Celtic, and Brandon Barker, whom he had managed at Hibernian. After defeat in the Cypriot Super Cup to Apollon Limassol, Lennon's Omonia team shocked Belgian side Gent 4–0 on aggregate to qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage. Despite respectable showings against Manchester United and Real Sociedad in the group stage, Lennon was sacked on 18 October 2022 due to disappointing results in the domestic league, including losses to newly-promoted sides Akritas Chlorakas and Nea Salamis.
Rapid București
On 20 May 2024, Lennon was officially presented as the manager of Liga I club Rapid București, joining the Romanian side on a two-year deal. On 20 August 2024, just after signing twelve players and recording no wins in six matches, Lennon was sacked after three months in charge.
Personal life
Lennon has spoken about having suffered from depression since 2000.
In January 2011, Lennon reached an out of court settlement with the Bank of Ireland after a company of which he was a director defaulted on a €3.7 million loan.
While a young player at Crewe, Lennon was a friend of Andy Woodward and Steve Walters, both of whom were victims of sexual abuse by coach Barry Bennell. After Bennell's 2018 conviction, Lennon spoke of his regret at not being aware of the abuse at the time.
He is a supporter of his home-town team Lurgan Celtic.
Managerial statistics
- As of match played 18 August 2024
Team | Nat | From | To | Record | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P | W | D | L | Win % | ||||
Celtic | 25 March 2010 | 22 May 2014 | 227 | 159 | 29 | 39 | 070.04 | |
Bolton Wanderers | 12 October 2014 | 15 March 2016 | 79 | 18 | 26 | 35 | 022.78 | |
Hibernian | 8 June 2016 | 30 January 2019 | 123 | 59 | 40 | 24 | 047.97 | |
Celtic | 26 February 2019 | 24 February 2021 | 110 | 77 | 17 | 16 | 070.00 | |
Omonia | 8 March 2022 | 18 October 2022 | 29 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 037.93 | |
Rapid București | 20 May 2024 | 20 August 2024 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 000.00 | |
Total | 574 | 324 | 125 | 125 | 056.45 |
Honours
Player
Crewe Alexandra
- Football League Third Division promotion: 1993–94
Leicester City
- Football League Cup: 1996–97, 1999–2000; runner-up: 1998–99
- Football League First Division play-offs: 1996
Celtic
- Scottish Premier League: 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2005–06, 2006–07
- Scottish Cup: 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2006–07
- Scottish League Cup: 2000–01, 2005–06
- UEFA Cup runner-up: 2002–03
Nottingham Forest
- Football League One promotion: 2007–08
Individual
Manager
Celtic
- Scottish Premier League / Premiership: 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2018–19, 2019–20
- Scottish Cup: 2010–11, 2012–13, 2018–19, 2019–20
- Scottish League Cup: 2019–20
Hibernian
Omonia
Awards and achievements
- Player
- PFA Team of the Year (Third Division): 1993–94
- PFA Team of the Year (Second Division) (2): 1994–95, 1995–96
- Northern Ireland International Personality of the Year (1): 2001
- Celtic FC Player of the Year (2): 2003–04, 2005–06
- Manager
- SPL Manager of the Year: 2011–12
- SFWA Manager of the Year (3): 2011–12, 2012–13, 2019–20
- Sunday Mail Sports Awards Editors' Choice: 2012
- SPL Player of the Month (3): March 2001, March 2004, April 2007
- SPL Manager of the Month (8): September 2010, January 2011, April 2011, November 2011, December 2011, February 2012, April 2012, December 2012
- SPFL Premiership Manager of the Month (3): December 2013, January 2014, October 2017
- SPFL Championship Manager of the Month (2): August 2016, January 2017
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External links
- Neil Lennon biography Northern Ireland Football Greats
Managerial positions | |||||||||||||||||||||
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- 1971 births
- Living people
- Association footballers from Lurgan
- People educated at St Michael's Grammar School, Lurgan
- Armagh Gaelic footballers
- Clan na Gael CLG Gaelic footballers
- Gaelic footballers who switched code
- Men's association football midfielders
- Glenavon F.C. players
- Manchester City F.C. players
- Crewe Alexandra F.C. players
- Leicester City F.C. players
- Celtic F.C. players
- Nottingham Forest F.C. players
- Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players
- NIFL Premiership players
- English Football League players
- Premier League players
- Scottish Premier League players
- Northern Ireland men's under-21 international footballers
- Northern Ireland men's B international footballers
- Northern Ireland men's international footballers
- Association football managers from Northern Ireland
- Celtic F.C. non-playing staff
- Celtic F.C. managers
- Bolton Wanderers F.C. managers
- Hibernian F.C. managers
- AC Omonia managers
- FC Rapid București managers
- Scottish Premier League managers
- Scottish Professional Football League managers
- English Football League managers
- Liga I managers
- Expatriate association football managers from Northern Ireland
- Expatriate football managers in Cyprus
- Expatriate sportspeople from Northern Ireland in Cyprus
- Expatriate football managers in Romania