Lennon in war cry after Bhoys appointment

Neil Lennon wants his Celtic players to “go to war” next season to wrest the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title back from Old Firm rivals Rangers.

The Irishman was confirmed as the new manager of Celtic at a press conference held at Parkhead this morning after a spell as interim boss following Tony Mowbray’s exit in March.

The 38-year-old former Celtic captain, who will be on a one-year rolling contract, wants his men fired up for the task ahead of them.

“What I want to do is bring is the thunder back,” said Lennon. “I want this place rocking again. I want the passion, I want the noise. I want the fans to be able to walk to the ground ready for it.

“I want the players to go to war every time they go on the pitch. All those things will be in-built before the season starts.

“We’ve got to put up a really stronger challenge to Rangers and try to wrest the title away from them.”

Lennon refused to confirm who he will bring in as his backroom staff but it has been reported that his assistant Johan Mjallby will be joined by former Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson and Garry Parker.

On the issue of an experienced mentor, the former Leicester midfielder admitted that he will be looking for help but was quick to stress that Finland coach Stuart Baxter, reportedly put forward by the Celtic board, is only a candidate.

Celtic chairman John Reid intervened when Lennon was asked if he had spoken to Baxter but the new Hoops manager was keen to stress his autonomy.

“Obviously experience is the one thing I don’t have...I have other attributes,” added Lennon. “It’s an area that I might look to tap in to, but again that will be a announcement made when the decision is finalised by myself.

“He (Baxter) is a candidate amongst others. But as with all the football decisions, whether they be backroom staff, medical, or sport science, I will have the final say.

“But in that list of bringing in someone with more experience, he is a candidate. The backroom staff that I have in mind probably lack that experience too so I think I am going in the unknown a wee bit but in terms of what I know about the club, I don’t think anyone knows the club better than myself.

“But it’s just other aspects of the game that maybe I need to work on.”

Lennon admitted that Cardiff star Joe Ledley is on his radar – “he’s one that interests us, yes” – but would go into no further details about possible targets, although player such as Sol Campbell, Jimmy Bullard and Liam Lawrence have been linked with moves to Glasgow.

He said: “We have targeted players, we are looking to strengthen in many areas. We need a stronger team. I need more men in the team. I wouldn’t say we were pretty far down the road but we have made inroads and we will get cracking on it as soon as today is finished.”

Lennon revealed he had a moment to himself after he had agreed terms at Celtic Park.

“Things were concluded pretty late on the other night,” he said. “I walked down that tunnel many, many times but I walked down the tunnel on my own and it was twenty to one in the morning.

“I had never seen Celtic Park like it. It was a beautiful night and the only light coming in was from the moon.

“It was a very special moment to know that I would be in charge of the club and I will be walking in the footsteps of the likes of Mr (Jock) Stein, Martin O’Neill, Billy McNeill, Davie Hay, Wim Jansen, Tommy Burns and Gordon Strachan.

“It was a very special moment for me. But I am ready and I am looking forward to the challenge.”