Andy Halliday responds when asked about Neil Lennon’s future at Celtic

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Andy Halliday has told Open Goal’s Keeping The Ball On The Ground that it is far “too early” to say that Neil Lennon should lose his role as Celtic manager – and compared the pressure on Lennon to last season’s scrutiny on Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.

Celtic are on a dismal run of form that has seen them win just two of their last eight league and cup outings. Last weekend, Celtic surrendered two more points in the Scottish Premiership title race – drawing 2-2 with Hibernian at Easter Road.

The Hoops are now 11 points behind Rangers in the title race, but Lennon’s men do have two games in hand. In Europe, they were knocked out of Champions League qualifying – and have just one point from their three Europa League games.

Ex-Rangers star Halliday was asked whether Lennon should be replaced – after the Green Brigade held up a banner that read ‘Save the ten. Time to go, Neil’. Halliday stated that while he thinks Rangers will win the league, it would be harsh on Lennon.

“I think it would be very, very harsh,” Halliday said. “He is off the back of winning the treble last season. We are 14 games into the season and Celtic have two games in hand. Rangers fans questioned Gerrard last season, two years without a trophy.

“You could always see the progress that they were making, though, and you have to compare the squad he inherited. It was miles behind, and Gerrard has improved it. I think Rangers will win the league, but it is too early to say Lennon should lose his job.”

TBR’s view – Do Celtic need to consider replacing Lennon?

As Halliday says, sacking Lennon now – who is closing on another treble – would be massively harsh. But with 10 in the row on the horizon, Celtic may have to consider replacing him in order to freshen things up before it is too late.

Celtic’s position, though, is not as bad as it looks. Celtic can resurrect their Europa League campaign with a couple of wins – and winning their games in hand and an Old Firm places Celtic right back in the mix for the title.

Lennon needs backing and his players need to start performing. The pressure is on, but Lennon deserves time.