Celtic’s next permanent manager

Was a very tough group, Udinese finished 3rd in Serie A that season.

 

I don't think anyone's making that point as a justification for appointing Lennon, I certainly amn't.

Which is surely understandable given our manager ripped out the heart of our coaching team and left on the eve of one the biggest weeks of our season?

 

Should have clarified, I don't mean if we were to face Udinese or Rennes' current squad. My point, that I'm making an * of making, is that the Udinese squad that season was nothing special. Yes they finished 3rd in Serie A, but the Italian league was much weaker in that time, and Udinese did finish 16 points off second.

If we were to face teams of them and Rennes calibre nowadays, I think we'd be disappointed not to get through the group.

 

I don't think anyone disagrees with that. Certainly not on here.

I just don't see the purpose in demeaning Lennon's previous achievements as if it makes the point any more salient.

 

All about context though for me, at that stage we had a squad of players who had barely scratched themselves in European competition.

Our current squad, despite its flaws at that level, actually has a fair bit of experience in Europe so we would expect a bit more.

 

It would be an interesting argument but I think we would view it much the same as we did this season, hopeful but not expectant.

 

Of course it's understandable. But my point is I've seen some people (not necessarily you) say "Lenny has actually extended our lead" as a sign of Lenny galvanising the team, when in reality it's more down to the huns blowing it.

 

People forget just how big a job had on his hands, cleaning up Tony Mowbrays mess. Took over one of the worst * states we’ve ever been in and 4 transfer windows later had us in the last 16.

In comparison, BR’s 4th window was this summer, and he took us to the Europa League.

 

Rodgers had already qualified for the Champions League proper twice.

Lennon had already lost 4-2 on aggregate to Utrecht (who finished 9th of 18 in the Eredivisie) and 3-1 on aggregate to Sion (who finished 9th of 10 in the Swiss Super League), and failed to make even the Europa League proper on either occasion.

But Mowbray...

(But Deila?)

 

The only player that Lenny inherited who remained playing with the club after his first couple of years is Brown. Despite having a nice sprinkling of home grown players at present we still have 4 players(excluding Izzy who still appear for us).
So all these years later Lenny has along with his European campaign still helped contribute to the treble in terms of Lustig, Griffiths, Rogic and to a lesser extent Bitton. Add this to the huge profit was made from the sale of Vic, VVD, Hooper and Forrester which kept the club in a healthy financial state.

For a guy in his first managerial job that is some legacy and more than negates his struggle in the first 2 years to make an impact in Europe with the shambles he was left to start with

 

He had, I didn’t say he never? I said Lennon in 4 transfer windows had us competing in the last 16.

BR in 4 transfer windows had us regressing.

And I think you’ll find we beat Sion, go check UEFA

 

I think most are just trying to be realistic.

Things could've very easily went to * after the carry on with the rat and all the coaching staff leaving. He's managed to keep us on course in all competitions despite that.

I can't bring myself to criticise a guy who stepped in when he really didn't have to. The lack of gratitude from some in our support is disappointing.

 

I haven’t used the result as a criticism of Lennon though. It’s a complete lie. Disagree with everything I say but it’s pointless making stuff up.

I never said every person who wants him as manager simply wants him cos of the Barca result. I said general though that does seem to be the main argument everyone (the people who want him) comes back to. Just like the people who don’t want him generally come back to his domestic cup record.

 

I’m pretty sure a lot of people do, hence so many people saying wait until the end of the season to see what he achieves.

For me it’s irrelevant, whichever way the results go or whichever side of the argument your on, he’s either the best candidate we can get or he isn’t.

We have to think long term and not 10 games or so.

 

And where did Lennon have us after six transfer windows? "But Lawwell." I know the drill.

Why do you make no excuses for Rodgers' third season? His first-choice centre-half refused to play in a vital Champions League qualifier.

 

I get that mate, but it is also an opportunity Lenny couldn’t turn down either, it’s probably the only chance he was ever going to get to be our manager again..

It’s a mutually beneficial opportunity.

 

And our two best strikers were injured/unfit.

 

I’m not making excuses for anybody, in 6 transfer windows we had went downhill. Loved the Van Dijk signing though.

By Lenny’s 7th window I thought we were well on our way back up. He tended to make them count, one of his major positives for me.

 

When do we expect to hear an announcement about this, either way? Before the end of the season?