What Next for Neil Lennon: Is a Managerial Comeback On the Cards for the Former Celtic Boss?
For a manager of his caliber and experience, it seems very unusual that Neil Lennon, nearly nine months from his Celtic departure, is without a job.
The 50-year-old has proven a success in most of his positions, the relative exception being his 18-month stint in charge of a Bolton side that had massive problems that were not of Lennon’s causing, and by all accounts, the Northern Irishman is very keen to get back out there.
Discussing the lack of interest in his services, Lennon has been quoted as saying: “It’s frustrating. Some people probably assume that I’m not looking for a return to management because of the way it ended at Celtic. But nothing could be further from the truth.”
During his two spells in charge at Parkhead, Lennon picked up five Premier League titles and a host of other silverware, but it seems that he’s become something of an unwanted commodity. Could it be that his perceived man-management style, which is notoriously brash and old-fashioned, doesn’t suit the management world of 2021?
He had been strongly linked with a move to manage Cardiff City earlier this month after Mick McCarthy was given his marching orders. It would have been a move that seemed to suit all parties and well worth backing with SkyBet’s latest sign up offer, and indeed Lennon’s former player Joe Ledley is said to have pushed the Welsh club to consider offering the post to his former boss, but they elected to appoint Steve Morison into the position.
Given that Morison has zero managerial experience, it does seem odd that Cardiff City would elect to make such an appointment over Lennon, so one can only assume there are other issues in play.
Lennon is clearly something of a marmite character, as he was during his playing days, and this must play some part in the fact that he’s without a job at present. In September, he was touted as the man to replace failing Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.
He was the bookies’ favorite at that stage, with the likes of Roy and Robbie Keane close behind, but as it turns out, Kenny remains in post, which is something of a miracle given the woeful showing they’ve had in World Cup qualifying. Remember, this is an Ireland side that managed just two wins from eight games and take into account, and four of those came against Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.
Perhaps the most bizarre managerial connection that’s been made with Lennon in mind is the possibility of him seeking a job in Israeli football. Indeed he confirmed his very real interest in such a move. When asked about wherever he’d consider a possible move to manage in Israel, he stated; “Yes, absolutely. For a start, Israel is a very beautiful country. I have a great affiliation with Israel.
“I watched the big teams in Israel like Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Beer Sheva, even MS Ashdod. I love the quality of football; I think there is potential.
“I spent all my life in the UK, I was a coach and player, and I would love a new challenge. Every other country on my list. ”
Clearly, managerial posts of interest pop up regularly, but Lennon doesn’t seem to be a manager who’d be touted for any truly high-level positions. Even when Norwich City were in need of a new boss, having fired Daniel Farke, his name didn’t crop up, and likewise when Aston Villa were on the look out.
One post that wasn’t likely to be offered to Lennon came in the form of the recently vacant position at Ibrox, with Steven Gerrard having made the somewhat predictable move down south to manage Villa. That position was soon filled by former Rangers midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who spent three years as a player at the now liquidated Rangers from 1998 to 2001.
Whether Lennon will return to management any time soon may well depend on his own personal ambition. If he feels, with some justification, that his career history warrants him a seat at the top-end of the spectrum then his waiting period may be extensive.
However, if he’s desperate to manage at any cost, then he could be back in the game within weeks, perhaps looking down the divisions to find his opportunity.
If Neil Lennon has any wit he will continue doing what he currently does.Well paid pundit.
Sky,Telefis Eireann , Virgin Sport, Premier Sport are four that spring to mind.
Able to give opinion without responsibility.
Wouldn’t those of us who do it for nothing in our pubs and clubs love the gig.
Still only 50 he obviously wants to gat involved again.
Adh mor to him.
Hail Hail.
Adh mor to him