ALAN THOMPSON has opened up on his Celtic exit as well as discussing his fallout with best mate Neil Lennon. The Celtic manager phoned Thompson to tell him that he was being replaced as first team coach as the left sided midfielder endured a torrid time in his personal life.
Speaking to BBC Sportsound’s podcast, Thompson discussed his exit from the coaching staff of the Scottish Champions as well as explaining that he has made up with Lennon after falling out back in 2012.
Despite not speaking for three years, Thompson confirmed that the pair were on speaking terms with the manager even sorting his ex-teammate with tickets for the cup final last year.
“It was a difficult time in my life. I’ve got no problem with Lenny now. Lenny and I speak.
“He’s rang me once or twice about a few players. I’ve rang him for a few contact numbers and stuff.
“He got me tickets for the Cup final last year, so there’s no problem now.
“Was there a period when we didn’t speak? Yes, absolutely.
“He’s got his reasons, I’ve got mine. But absolutely no problem whatsoever now. I wasn’t happy at all at what had happened or whether that was my fault or other people.
“It was just an awful time. The club will say they made the right decision but my opinion might be different.
“It might not have been Neil’s decision, I don’t know. It was very tough. I was having a tough time personally and then it was tough after that because I was out of work and going through a divorce which was a tough time.
“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I’ve come through it now and looking forward to the future.”
Thommo speculated that the decision may have been the club’s and not Lennon’s, despite it coming at one of the toughest periods of his life with a divorce and driving ban for a drink driving offence being served.
Thompson joined the coaching staff with Lennon in 2010 after leaving the role as Reserves Manager at Newcastle United. He and Lennon won the first of Celtic’s 9 successive titles won in 2012 but was replaced when his alleged off-field behaviour was deemed unacceptable by the club.
