Lennon wants job on merit

NEIL LENNON does not want the Celtic board to offer him a new contract out of “sympathy”.

The Hoops boss has had a troubled first full season in charge of the Parkhead side, being targeted by death threats and parcel bombs and he was attacked by a fan during the 3-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday.

The Irishman was given rapturous backing by the Celtic fans during the 4-0 home win over Motherwell yesterday, even though the title was ultimately lost to Old Firm rivals Rangers by one point, the Ibrox men clinching their third successive title with a 5-1 win at Kilmarnock.

After the game Lennon came on to the pitch to address the fans, saying: “This isn’t the end, this is the beginning.”

However, he revealed in the post-match press conference that he has yet to discuss his current six-month rolling contract with the club and he wants any new deal to be offered on merit.

“I think I was being presumptuous (out on the pitch),” joked Lennon, who congratulated Rangers and their manager Walter Smith on winning the title.

“But that’s what I want to do.

“I brought a lot of players here and they have been magnificent for me all season. I think we have a nucleus of a very good squad.

“But I am saying all this and I might not be here.

“I had a good chat with Mr Dermot Desmond (majority shareholder) and the chairman (John Reid) and Peter (Lawwell, chief executive) just after the game and I am hopeful that I will be here next season. But they might not want me.

“The remit is to win the championship and we haven’t done that so that might be a stroke against me. But I don’t want it (a contract) through sympathy or anything like that.’’

Lennon added: “We are very disappointed. I don’t like finishing second at anything.

“Our priority was the championship but I’d like to congratulate Rangers.

“To win the league with 93 points takes some doing, it shows great consistency in the run-in.

“Obviously I would like to congratulate Walter as well, he has been a tremendous ambassador for the game in Scotland.”

Lennon admitted he has considered walking away at various points during a difficult time in which he has been given 24-hour security protection.

The former Celtic skipper said: “Once or twice but then I thought, ‘Why?’.’’

Lennon claimed winning the Scottish Cup against Motherwell at Hampden next week would be a “fitting” end to the season for the players and fans.

“It has been a emotional week for a lot of people and it would be fitting for the players to finish the season with something in the trophy cabinet,” he said.

Rangers boss Smith ensured he bowed out at the top after securing the title in style at Kilmarnock but did admit to having some regrets.

He said: “I’ll always have a regret. I had a regret when I was actually arguing with myself about whether to do it (retire) or not. Yes, there will be a regret but I still think it’s the right thing.

“It’s the right thing for myself and it’s the right thing for Rangers now that they’ve got a new owner and a new manager. It’s the right thing to do.

“The lads who have been working with me — (manager in waiting) Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowell and Ian Durrant — have been patiently waiting for an opportunity to take over. I think they thought they would possibly get it a bit earlier but they haven’t and they have been fantastic for me. That was part of my decision and it was the right one.”