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‘Incredible things’: Lennon comments on Celtic exit and future management plans

Neil Lennon has spoken about his Celtic exit for the first time since resigning last month.

His second spell came to an unhappy end on February 24 when the club confirmed that he had resigned, with the club on the verge of seeing their 10-in-a-row title dream end.

Rangers duly became champions on Sunday when interim boss John Kennedy’s side were held to a goalless draw by Dundee United at Tannadice, adding another sour note to a miserable season that has also seen Celtic meekly exit the Betfred Cup, Champions League and Europa League.

Lennon achieved legendary status as a player and cemented it with success in his first stint as manager, but was the subject of fan protests this season as Celtic’s campaign spiralled out of control.

Celtic v Motherwell - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking on in his role as pundit for Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Milan at Old Trafford, the Northern Irishman talked about his Celtic exit and plans for a return to the dugout.

Asked if he was planning to manage again, Lennon replied: “Yes, absolutely. Listen, I had a brilliant time at Celtic. It just wasn’t our season this season.

“But the players have achieved incredible things up there in the last sort of five or six years. It was a real privilege.

“I’ve had a bit of a break, stayed in the house like everybody else is doing at the minute.

“But I’m sure I’ll get the itch sooner rather than later.”

In a confirming his departure from Celtic, Lennon said: “We have experienced a difficult season due to so many factors and, of course, it is very frustrating and disappointing that we have not been able to hit the same heights as we did previously.

“I have worked as hard as ever to try and turn things around, but unfortunately we have not managed to get the kind of run going that we have needed.

Celtic v St. Mirren - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

“I have always given my best to the Club and have been proud to deliver silverware to the Celtic supporters. The Club will always be part of me. I will always be a Celtic supporter myself and I will always want the best for Celtic.

“I would like to thank so many people at the Club who have given me so much and I would also like to thank my family for their love and support.

“I wish the Celtic supporters, players, staff and directors nothing but success for the future.”