Neil Lennon

HE’S left one city with an invisible split line for another which is quite literally divided.

But for Neil Lennon, it is all about making sure the Omonia Nicosia players are united behind him as he begins his journey to restore them as Cyprus’ top team.




Strictly speaking they still are, since they are reigning champions after last season’s first title for a decade.

But this year’s shocking failure to make even the top-six split means their crown will now be fought for by Apollon, bitter city rivals APOEL and AEK Larnaca, which cost Norwegian legend and former Rangers defender Henning Berg his job three weeks ago.

The so-called Glasgow ‘divide’ is one thing, but the historic state of affairs in Nicosia is something else.

Since 1974, after Turkey invaded the island, there’s been a militarised border control, with North Nicosia grandly proclaimed as the capital of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a state recognised only by Turkey.


It’s a full passport job to get in. But all multiple trophy-winning former Celtic boss Lennon wants to venture towards is football glory.

And he’s undaunted by the fact he is the club’s TENTH boss in just seven years — and wealthy owner Stavros Papastavrou’s fourth alone since he took over in 2018.

Former Pafos boss and ex-Celtic team-mate Steven Pressley even advised him not to unpack his suitcase after he lasted less than a year.

But Lennon, his first game in charge being Saturday’s 2-2 league draw with Doxa with an under-strength team, is backing himself.




The 50-year-old, with a crunch cup quarter-final first leg against AEL on Wednesday night, told SunSport: “I actually bumped into Henning the other day as I was looking at properties.

“We spoke very briefly and he wished me well.

“Henning did very well here, winning their first title for over ten years and of course he’s disappointed to have left.

“He’s a hard act to follow but I’m up for that challenge.

“I wasn’t nervous before the game on Saturday. It’s the most relaxed I have probably ever been.

“I know I’ve been out of management for over a year but it’s not like I’m a novice — I’ve got over 500 games under my belt now.


“I’d prepared for the game as well as I could in the few days I’d been in Nicosia since flying in and that gave me peace of mind.

"I picked a relative reserve team because of the importance of Wednesday night’s cup game.




It’s going to take a bit of time and hard work on the training ground to get the players playing to the style I want. But I’m impressed with the quality of the squad.

“I want to do well here and I want the players to know we’re on their side.




I’m passionate about this job. You can’t change the way you are. My voice has gone a bit after Saturday!

“Wednesday’s game will have a lot more on it but I’m excited about it. I’m well used to pressure games at Celtic, Hibs and Bolton.

“Garry Parker being here with me now just adds to the comfort I’ve got, while I’ve also inherited a first-team coach who is great.

“I’d forgotten how good it is to be on the training ground with the players. It’s fantastic.




The year out has done me the world of good.

“Omonia have given me the chance to do my own thing again and it’s a club that wants to be successful.

“They are defending champions. They’re not going to win it this year, but there’s still a nucleus of a very good squad.

“Henning was two and a half years here.






My last season was toxic and highly pressured, so I feel I can pretty much cope with most situations.

“I know it’s an environment where there’s been a lot of managerial changes, but most leagues everywhere else are.

“How many changes have there been in Scotland this year? Look at England.




The job’s far more under the microscope than it’s ever been. But that’s the life. There’s a certain amount of pressure with any job that you take.

“I was aware of what Steven Pressley said.

“He had a tough time and I spoke about it with him a long time ago. I know he’s back working at Brentford and he’s a really good guy.

“But, as I say, Henning was here two and a half years — and if I can do the same I’ll be delighted.

“I know what it’s going to take for that to happen, but that doesn’t faze me. I’ve never shirked a challenge in my life.”




Scotland No 2 John Carver bossed Omonia for eight months in 2016-17 and has spoken of the ferocious intensity of the fans — and how they can rapidly change from adulation to rage.

But Lennon, who attended two games in his first three days to spy on rivals, added: “Look, I have been Celtic manager twice.

"My last season was toxic and highly pressured, so I feel I can pretty much cope with most situations.



I love what I’m hearing about the fans here, their emotion and passion for the club. I can’t stop telling people how excited I am about this opportunity.




I’ve been impressed by everyone at the club — I’ll give my all to bring success to Omonia Nicosia.”

 

Lennon's biggest challenge over there arguably is not mentioning Celtic or it's supporters so called poor treatment of him

 

Last season wasn't toxic, HE WAS. Bigger * than Craig Gordon.

 

What have I missed with Craig Gordon, every one seems to hate him? I've seen a few comments on Twitter about him too

 

* is so far in denial its incredible.

 

https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/...hip/neil-lennon-insists-toxic-celtic-23377820

There was me thinking (and hoping) that with him tucked away in the * end of European football… that we wouldnt get exposed to any more of his Pish.

Unfortunately he or these desperate publications approach each other.

Fkkn cheek referring to a ‘toxic’ atmosphere…

It was that * who made it ‘toxic’

I’d half hoped he’d succeed there so that we would not see or hear from him again… but I hope he fails miserably and has to take a youth coaching role in Uzbekistan.

“Garry Parker being here with me now just adds to the comfort I’ve got, while I’ve also inherited a first-team coach who is great.”

I suspect it’s more of a drinking partner he’s inherited than a decent coach…

*

 

I honestly can't stand this wee weasel..

Wish the thread would be binned for good..

 

Can't believe he blames the toxic nature within celtic, he WAS the toxic nature in the club. Wonder how long he will last, I'm gonna hazard a 16 week stint then sacked.

 

People with a drink problem never blame themselves

 

He’s using covid as the excuse for not moving players on


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Where are all his fan boys from the last week? Don't want to join in blaming the fans for the toxic environment?

 

Everycunt suddenly declaring that Lawwell wasn’t toxic by the end of his tenure. It’s why Ange’s job has been majorly impressive, n and off the field we were a mess. He * it majorly but think we’d have all been agreeing last season the problems went beyond Lennon.

 

except, Neil, you * didn't cope with it, did you?
A toxic atmosphere that YOU created and YOU couldn't cope with it.


I really need to ban myself from this thread! Guys an utter *.

 

Aye people far too happy to let him away with blaming you and everyone else for losing the 10.

 

Aye, probably be for the best. You need a time out, a breather. There's more important things in life to worry about now.

 

For the amount of * he spouts and blaming of us, the fans, he deserves to be called out every time he opens his mouth and speaks about us.
Til the day he says "Guys, I am sorry. I was to blame and I * it up and * you all over" he doesn't really deserve much sympathy or respect.

That said, I get annoyed at myself for even responding to this thread these days. I know it is just winding myself up more than anything else.
Also, as much as it can wind me up - I aint really sitting here with smoke * out my ears, all red faced and perm-raging. It is, surprisingly, possible to make passing comments on this guy without it ruining the next 5 minutes of my life, let alone the rest of my day.

 

I honestly feel nothing towards him, don't give a * either way.

 

On the same note, far too many people happy to stick the boot in letting him take the fall when the problems were, and still are, deeply beyond him.

 

Oh granted for sure! but to say the 'toxic nature' of a club where lions share of that come from him, swinging for the player, the board, the fans anyone that questioned his capability he went for the jugular.

 

We seem to be coping just fine since he’s gone so what problems do you speak of?