Neil Lennon
Whether it’s a four or eight match touchline ban Neil Lennon will be forced to watch his first cup final as a manager from the stand.
Sunday’s Co-Operative Cup Final with Rangers has given the Lurgan bhoy the chance to add to the array of honours that he won as a Celtic player.
With the increasingly tiresome George Peat finally managing to punish the Celtic manager Lennon won’t be allowed to lead Celtic out at Hampden.
Although largely ceremonial leading out the side that he has rebuilt would have meant a lot to the Celtic boss although seeing them pick up the trophy is far more important.
There will be all sorts of attempts to bring glamour and showbiz to Sunday’s build up but the big question is ‘who will lead Celtic out in Neil Lennon’s absence?’
Video Celts readers can have their say with the main options listed below.
[poll id=”43″]
Lisbon Lion John Clark has served Celtic as player, reserve coach, assistant manager and now kitman. Alongside Billy McNeill he featured in the club’s greatest achievements and is the only Lion still actively involved in football.
In his testimonial year a return to Hampden would be very emotional for John Kennedy. Seven years ago his career was cut down in it’s prime as he made his Scotland debut under Berti Vogts, Kennedy currently works as a scout for Celtic.
Johan Mjallby has been beside Neil Lennon since day one of his Celtic managerial career. The Swede suffered the hurt of losing to Ross County at Hampden last season, the uncertainty through the summer and has been a strong supporter of his gaffer every step of the way.
Alan Thompson left Newcastle to return to the front-line alongside his former midfield team-mate Lennon. Despite the insecurity of a short term contract Thompson couldn’t resist the offer to return to Celtic where he was an integral part of the club under Martin O’Neill.
No One should replace Neil Lennon on Sunday. After being hit with an unprecedented six match touchline ban for a first offender it took five months for the SFA to reduce the ban to four matches. If the manager is banned from leading his team out No One should deputise, leave it to Broony.
St Pauli fans back Neil Lennon
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
[bet_365 type=’generic’ size=’468′ af_code=’365_050711′]
Nobody should lead Celtic out and the players should go and warm up instead of taking part in the line-up for the cameras.
EG, walk out of dressing room as normal and straight on to the pitch
Snub all match interviews, promotions and lift the cup and walk off. none of their celebrations. If we cant have lenny then they dont get their big celebration when we stuff the huns
For me, no-one except our captain. Let’s remind people why we’re calling Sunday “Neil Lennon Day”.
The Huns hate Skoosh too – who better to remind them and the Establishment it’s not just Neil Lennon, forcing him out doesn’t get rid of us…
Bily McNeill wae a Neil Lennon mask on.
What about allowing the parents of Raemonn Gormley to lead the team out, can’t think of a more fitting tribute, and would turn a negative situation into a positive one.
Nobody other than Lenny