Neil Lennon has been given a second vote of confidence in a week with the Celtic board believing that he is the best person to lead the club to the SPFL title.
It seems an incredible show of support or misjudgement on the back of a run of two wins in 12 matches.
Lennon has changed systems, tactics, formations and players and failed to get any sort of improvement out of what is essentially the same squad of players that beat Lazio home and away last season.
This week’s statement claims:
Neil has the support of the players and staff at the Club. He understands the pressure and the environment. As his outstanding record as a manager, captain and player demonstrates, he knows what it takes to be successful at Celtic and he has delivered success with many of the current squad of players, who understand his method and approach.
Whilst it has been suggested that it is time for a change, at this stage in the season the Board believes that Neil and his management team are best placed to turn the team’s performances around and lead us on to success. The Board continues to work closely with Neil and his team to support them as they seek to do so and progress will be reviewed in the new year.
That final sentence suggests a fresh look at the situation on the evening of January 2.
If ‘the board believes that Neil and his management team are best placed’ it suggests that they have considered other options and failed to come up with an alternative more likely to deliver success.
After a defeat from Ross County and draw against St Johnstone Lennon has two more home matches, against Lille and Kilmarnock before Celtic stage their AGM on Monday December 14.
Although it will be a virtual AGM Peter Lawwell will be expected to state his support for Lennon during the meeting.