DERMOT DESMOND ‘won’t bow’ to fan demands according to Sky Sports and Talksport’s Jim White. The presenter cites a senior club source when he says that the majority shareholder of the Scottish Champions is reluctant to make any decisions on the back of yesterday’s protests at Celtic Park.
Speaking on Talksport this morning, White claims that after seeing the scenes that developed around Celtic Park last night, Desmond may be reluctant to act in case it looks as if he is baying to the crowd.
“I heard last night from a senior source that Dermot Desmond, the owner of the club, was saying it will harden his resolve.
“He’s not going to bow to these yobs.”
Over the last twenty years, Neil Lennon has won 20 major trophies between spells as player and manager. His commitment to the football club should not be understated and he should not have been exposed to the abuse directed his way in recent weeks. He has been hung out to dry by the club’s hierarchy, he wasn’t allowed his own staff and was allowed to fail without any regard for the damage it may have to his reputation.
There is only one Neil Lennon. He is a Celtic legend and whether he is manager or not, he deserves respect and dignity. I hope that he is offered a job for life at the club and in future years, the real reasons for the poor season thus far are exposed.
Desmond, the absent landlord, has presided over two appointments in the last twenty years – Brendan Rodgers and Gordon Strachan. He needs to show the dedication that he showed in bringing Rodgers to the club if Lennon is replaced. Whatever happens, the anger at the situation should not be directed at Lennon but instead the board, mainly the Chief Executive/Director of Football, Peter Lawwell.
Lawwell and Desmond have their own reputations hanging by a thread. They have allowed the work of Rodgers to slide and sacrificed a club legend as a result.
