Celtic’s next permanent manager

He has changed how we play. I don’t blame him for that because during training and team talks he will be working on certain things. It’s the only explanation for me. I’m not damning Lennon and I’ve said a few times if he wraps the league up, beats the huns and wins the Scottish Cup I can’t argue him getting the job. It’s just really worrying. This shouldn’t be such a struggle.

My argument with Sinclair had nothing to do with his past performances. It was that we were going through a major transition and some familiarity for the Champions League qualifiers would be helpful. He’s done it at that time of year, he usually starts hot. I’d rather he was there. Two completely different arguments.

 

Don't know how I got hooked back into this thread and talking about Lennon when I told myself I'd be staying out.

I think everything has already been said. Some see it differently to others and I think we just need to agree to disagree @Officer Doofy

I'm still willing to wait and make a decision in 3 weeks time.

 

You got hooked the same we all do, we are passionate fans. It’s a huge decision for the club to make and we all just want the best for the club, whether that’s Lennon or another avenue we will have to wait and see. Until then we are going to debate and go through all the details with a fine-tooth comb.

 

I agree mate. I just think the speculation and noise from the sidelines is becoming a distraction and counter-productive to what we want to achieve over the next few weeks.

Our club is unstoppable when we're all together and pulling in the same direction. Right now the atmosphere in the stands and pubs doesn't feel that way.

I think given he's stepped in to difficult circumstances it's the least we can do til the end of the month. Beyond that, what will be will be and we can hopefully get in the best candidate for the job.

 

Like a few people, I have steered clear of this thread for a few weeks. I have never been a fan of keeping Lenny beyond this season and never hidden the fact. There have been some frankly shocking comments about Lenny which are totally unacceptable.

However, on the flip side, there are 3 - 4 people on here who just resort to the same tactics if you dare to say anything critical about Lenny. I have total respect for Lenny's contribution as a player and no-one can doubt his commitment to our club. Any comments that I made have been based on facts and I have been abused, called a Hun and accused of having no respect for Lenny - it just shows the debating level of a few people on here.

Whatever you may think of BR's behaviour - the comparison between his and Lenny's reputation and record as managers is just laughable (also pointless).

If we had been great since Lenny came in - I'd gladly say I was wrong and move on. However, we haven't and last week was the real proof IMO. Kilmarnock had 4 players who would have started but for injury or suspension and they still outplayed us. Anyone who can't see that they were worth at least a point, passed the ball around us for long periods, missed 2 great chances and IMO should have had a penalty should give up watching football and do something else.

Clarke is a grumpy old * but IMO he's a much better tactician than Lenny - I'm not advocating him for the job BTW - I'm just pointing out that he's another example of a better manager.

The only game where we have been by far the better team under Lenny was in the cup at Hibs. Aberdeen self-destructed and we nearly blew it against the Huns with a * performance in the second half.

My own view is that, if we seal the league and Lenny's getting it - it will be announced before the final. If nothing is said before that then I suspect (and hope) that someone else is coming in. I also hope that, if that is the case, DD/PL has already spoken with them about transfers etc as there are only 5 - 6 week till the qualifiers.

I'm not being disrespectful but we are all passionate fans with opinions. Lenny has only competed with the Huns once over the course of a full season (before their financial woes) and he lost.

He left us (IMO he thought he would get the West Brom/Norwich jobs which were available). In the end, all he could get was Bolton which ended in relegation. As a few folk have pointed out - Hibs are in a better position than when he left them and arguably playing better football.

I'm not arguing that Lenny is one of us and a club legend but that is irrelevant and history. I don't see how that makes him a "safe pair of hands" for 10IAR. If you take a look on the Huns or Aberdeen fan sites - most of them want Lenny to get the job - I may despise them but I can understand their thinking.

If we bring in a half-decent manager and give him some funds - we're in a great position. If we stick with Lenny, I think we are gambling that the Huns have a worse manager than us - to me that's not acceptable - given the state of the clubs - we should simply have a proven manager with a decent track record and not give a * who their manager is.

 

You would have got a first for this but no
Bibliography or references have let you down.

 

I'd love to know who we are actually looking at. There aren't too many obvious candidates on our doorstep, are there?

Moyes is available, but he is a bit of a dinosaur already and seems more interesting in tarting himself around elsewhere. Lennon is probably the obvious choice, a guy who has been there before etc. And then there is Stevie Clarke, who may be an underwhelming appointment but the job he has done at Killie is incredible and I'd be quite keen to see what he could do with Celtic in Europe.

 

My worry with Clarke is that we want to organise a team on no extra money. Moyes would at least tell me we will get 10 to 20m as I would expect demands from him.

On another note I do wonder if players are just shattered. The results perked up after the break but the players would always tire again soon. So many of our players go on international duty also. Look at our team Bain, Lustig, Ajer, Boyata, KT, Mcgregor, Jamesy, Rogic and Christie are all regulars. Loans like Weah and Burke too. Plenty of others at more junior levels.
I also wonder if orders from above have told lennon to prepare for next season and avoid playing loans. I think gelling Ajer and Jozo has been fantastic.

 

Definitely an element of fatigue. There are a number of issues we've had since Lennon came in that are not really within his control. Rogic and Ntcham were injured when he arrived, Boyata and Benkovic have been unavailable for long spells and he's not had Griffiths at all. Plus, Ryan Christie has been unlucky with injuries and he's inherited a situation where Tierney has been run into the ground.

He obviously doesn't fancy Toljan (I understand why) but I'd have used him a little more given Tierney has been out. Our lack of pace/dynamism at full-back has really hampered us at times. I'd have used Burke and Weah more, as we've been a bit too reliant on Edouard at times. Christie missing means we've lost that midfield runner and a guy who puts so much energy into the games. He presses and tackles, but also runs beyond the striker and does damage in the final third.

I do think our football could have been better - especially at home - but he's hardly been a disaster. Our away form stiill hasn't been great, but we we're dropping silly points all season under Rodgers.

I'm still in a position where I wouldn't be thrilled if Lennon got the job, but I wouldn't be distraught. As for the transfer budget, I don't actually think we need a huge amount of money. We've got a lot of players to move on and it only takes a couple of smart buys to rejuvenate the squad in my opinion.

 

Anyone catch Rafas interview on soccer am today sounds like hes out the door

 

When asked about Celtic he said "maybe"

Not ruling it out.

 

Don't you dare, teasing like that is mean

 

If we as much as approach Benitez I'll shoot my load, just because it will at least indicate we're trying to replace Rodgers with someone of a decent calibre.

 

Announce Lewis Capaldi

 

Indeed - I personally think it's unlikely that Rafa will come here as his transfer budget will be a lot less than he has (even at Newcastle).

However, (if) we are really considering him - IMO it shows that DD is involved and wants to make a statement as with MON and BR.

I have no doubt that, if its left up to Lawell, - he'll go for the cheap option in Lenny. I'm afraid that I don't agree with those who think that Lenny will make big demands from him - any club Lenny goes to from here (Championship at best IMO) - will be a big step down. He loves the club and wants the job - I think he'll be willing to accept a lot more interference from PL than BR did or Rafa would. Frankly - they know that they won't be out of work for long.

I hope that (as we got our investment in BR back from Leicester) - DD will be prepared to pony up again to maximise our chances of 10IAR.

 

Well, at the very least, it would be a box office
appointment..

 

I feel as if I would be prepared to forgive and forget

 

Mourinho is still one of the best managers in world. No matter what people think about him personally. He wins at any cost.

still reckon he will go to Roma