Neil Lennon, probably the most talked about man in the world of football over the last month or so, and unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. Celtic started the season under Lennon with high hopes of regaining the League Title from Rangers, but who could have predicted the turbulence they would face along the way?
Let’s start with the positives. Lennon took over from Tony Mowbray as caretaker manager back in March, 2010; his presence was immediately felt, winning all of his sides remaining games that season (a shock cup loss to Ross County aside).
Following a superb display as caretaker boss, Lennon was appointed the job full time in June, with Johan Mjällby as his assistant. Lennon started to sculpt the team to his liking, bringing in exciting young players such as Emilio Izaguirre, Efraín Juárez, Anthony Stokes, Gary Hooper, Beram Kayal and Joe Ledley, not to mention more experienced players such as Cha Du-Ri, Daryl Murphy, Daniel Majstorovic and Kris Commons. Newcastle shot stopper Fraser Forster also arrived for a season long loan deal.
On reflection, you have to say Lennon did some seriously good business in the summer transfer window. Fraser Forster has done himself proud this season his some excellent shot stopping, Anthony Stokes and Gary Hooper have been rattling goals in all season while fit. Joe Ledley was brought in with high hopes and hasn’t disappointed, while Daniel Majstorovic has brought some much needed stability to the back line.
Emilio Izaguirre and Beram Kayal have been revelations this season, both attracting interest from top sides in the English Premier League. Kris Commons only arrived in January and has fired in 14 goals from midfield bringing him to a season total of 29. Efraín Juárez, Cha Du-Ri and Daryl Murphy have all been bit-part players this campaign, but only due to stiff competition from the rest of the team.
On the pitch an Old Firm manager is judged on two things, how many matches you win, and performances against the other side of the Glasgow divide. On the latter, Lennon has done well, league wise racking up two wins, a draw and a loss. Cup wise its split right down the middle with a win, draw and a loss. Over the course over the season, the record seven Old Firm games breaks down to; Celtic – 3, Rangers – 2, Draws – 2.
On the basis of this Neil Lennon, despite losing out to Walter Smith and Rangers on the last day of the season should be proud of how far he’s brought Celtic since the dark days of Tony Mowbray, and looking forward to the future; especially since he’s still in with a great opportunity of picking up silverware on Saturday against Motherwell.