Now I’m reviewing the situation – Can the manager take us to where we want to be as a club?

To placate a large proportion of the support, Celtic FC issued a statement in late 2020 to the effect that Neil Lennon would remain in charge subject to a review in January. If the media are to be believed, that review has already taken place.

We are in the dark as to when it was undertaken and by whom. However, it appears the outcome is that the manager is to remain in post but it is not known whether this is until the end of the season (or beyond) or if it is subject to further review. We can speculate on the criteria used in the review but from the media it appears that it was only, “has he turned things around”? The answer to that is is wholly subjective and to be honest it is immaterial whether he has or has not turned things around.

It just highlights the short term thinking that is being applied here and in other matters…we are back to where we were before the slump so that is good enough. No it is not!

A better question would have been, could he have turned things around sooner? The answer to that particular question is yes. The improvement has been brought about by changing the playing personnel and tactics, options which were available at the start of the slump but never used until it was too late. No one needs reminding that during that period we embarrassed ourselves in Europe, dropped crucial points in the league and went out the League Cup.

An even better question would be, can the manager take us to where we want to be as a club? The evidence suggests the answer is unfortunately no. Prior to the slump, we had been out-thought and outplayed by mediocre teams in Europe too many times. The nightmare scenario is that we attempt to qualify for the Europa League next season under the current set up. What evidence do the Board have that the manager and coaching staff can turn things around in Europe?

It is a bit like Donald Trump (are you watching CNN this evening?). You can make as many assertions as you like but, without evidence, you just look stupid and self-serving.

Chris Wotherspoon