Neil Lennon won the PR war ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow derby with a masterful media performance at Lennoxtown today.
At Murray Park on Thursday Steven Gerrard delivered a typically dull performance, the last time that he will speak in public ahead of Sunday’s match with the daily papers and broadcasters trying to spread out thin pickings before the Sunday papers get to work on the left overs.
Rennes defender Mexer has snubbed a place in next season’s revolution since Gerrard spoke, trying to talk up the importance of a match against the club already crowned isn’t easy with thoughts on Liverpool exciting the former Anfield skipper more than issues at his current employer.
Previewing a match three days ahead of kick off is a dangerous business- giving your opponents a clear run at setting the agenda in the 48 hours before kick off. Lennon didn’t miss the target.
By early afternoon the ‘huge disciplinary problem’ at Ibrox dominated the digital headlines with even the biggest apologists struggling to pick a fault with Lennon’s comments. After the previous Glasgow derby Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack and Andy Halliday served suspensions with Gerrard hit with a one match touchline suspension.
Whether it’s nine or twelve red cards this season for Gerrard’s side isn’t really the issue. Morelos has been sent off four times this season, on Sunday Allan McGregor will watch from the Main Stand serving the first of a three match suspension for kicking out at an opponent 89 minutes into a dead rubber.
After speaking to the daily papers more headlines will appear overnight, no doubt Lennon will have a few carefully placed thoughts to share that won’t be appreciated around Ibrox.
Saturday morning update: Lennon saying Celtic would stage a Guard of Honour has did the trick.
