Alex Neil was discussed as a potential replacement for Neil Lennon today during a podcast from A Celtic State of Mind.
Post John Paul Dykes has been producing hour long daily content for Celtic fans with concern about the SPFL position and below par performances featuring on almost every day.
Like virtually every issue the Celtic support is deeply divided on Lennon and the team’s performances. There are certainly mitigating circumstances in the results and form but in mid-November it’s impossible to name an impressive 90 minute performance in the season to date.
The defeat in the Glasgow derby, poor showings in Europe and the gap at the top of the table which is mainly due to a fixture backlog have piled the pressure on Lennon despite winning four trophies since returning as caretaker in February 2019.
Comments made after the defeats from Ferencvaros and Sparta Prague cause particular alarm. Going public over players wanting away or the need for a change in culture go beyond the usual, predictable after match comments.
Sourcing a replacement to deal with the unique expectations from supporters and a structure that sees Peter Lawwell and Nicky Hammond playing key roles in recruitment won’t be for everyone.
After taking Norwich to promotion to the EPL straight after taking charge in January 2015 Neil’s record has been patchy but surviving for three years in The Championship is an achievement in itself.
Whether he would give up the quieter lifestyle of managing in England’s second tier for the nastiness that comes with managing in Glasgow is open to debate. A decade ago a well-known Celtic fan in Owen Coyle was able to resist the call.
58 minutes
Host Paul John Dykes asked a guest from another Celtic Podcast if Neil would do a better job than Neil Lennon but gave a very complimentary slant on the current Preston boss.
“He reminds me of a young Paul Lambert, guiding Norwich to promotion. I think that he is a highly rated manager down there and by all accounts he has been quoted as a potential Lennon replacement. I don’t think that it is something that anyone envisaged would have to be considered this season. If that was a plan and they are bringing that plan forward would Celtic fans be happier with him or to stay with Neil Lennon?”
Guest: “The fans all have different opinions, that is the great thing. Some fans will keep Lennon over anybody because they love him, he’s done so much for the club and deserves the chance to win the league. I can see that point of view but I completely disagree with it.
“Some people will say ‘What has he won?’ (he was with Hamilton Accies), some people will want to aim higher, I can understand that as well so there are so many different opinions and so many different ways that the club can go.
“At the moment the next game is Hibs and Lennon will be in charge, he needs to win that game, if he doesn’t you’ll be having this conversation until something does happen.
“My hope is that Neil Lennon now goes on a winning run, my hope is that I’m proven wrong. If that doesn’t happen we need to make the changes and soon, we can’t keep going like this, I don’t think that it’s sustainable.
Good chat today but just the same old stuff, hopefully kick on v Hibs https://t.co/HwnQWHPBRD
— Anthony (@Anthonyw10) November 15, 2020