Report: Peter Lawwell makes short-term decision on Neil Lennon’s Celtic future

Add as preferred source on Google

The Daily Record have claimed that Peter Lawwell has made the decision to keep Neil Lennon as Celtic manager until at least Thursday’s clash against AC Milan in the Europa League – following protests over the Hoops gaffer’s future.

Celtic have now won just two of their last 10 matches – suffering defeats in their last four home games, the last of which came in the form of a League Cup defeat to Ross County on Sunday. It was their first defeat in the cup for more than four years.

Lennon has seen his side knocked out of the League Cup, slip to 11 points behind Rangers – though they do have two games in hand – and already out of the Europa League, despite two group games still to play.

One of those is on Thursday as Celtic travel to take on Serie A leaders AC Milan. Despite the form, protests from fans, the Green Brigade banner and a loss of patience from Chris Sutton – Lawwell has decided to keep him, at least for Thursday’s match.

TBR’s view – How does Lennon come back from this?

Celtic have looked sluggish, lacking any invention and completely weighed down by the pressure of supporters – even without the fans in the stadium. So, how does Lennon turn the ship around – one that he inadvertently starting pointing backwards?

Well, a brave performance against Milan would be a start. One thing that is on Lennon’s side is that after Milan, the next four games are at Parkhead – other than the Scottish Cup final against Hearts which is at Hampden.

Decent performances in Europe, a Scottish Cup final win and nine points from their three home league games over the course of the next few weeks will save some of Lennon’s blushes. But ultimately, a loss to Rangers on January 2 may seal his fate.