John Hartson has admitted that he is hurt and disappointed that Neil Lennon has dismissed his opinion that he should step down as Celtic managed.
The two men were team-mates for five years at Celtic but on Saturday the Welshman told a podcast that it was time for Lennon to step away from the Celtic job.
It wasn’t a snap decision or personally motivated but after watching the season unfold with Celtic trailing by 20 plus points it is hard to come to any other conclusion.
Lennon was self isolating as Celtic stumbled through draws against Hibs and Livingston but was dismissive of Hartson’s comments when he spoke to newspapers on Monday after his explosive broadcast conference.
The Welshman was probably half expecting that reaction and told The Sun his feelings on the rift with a former team-mate:
Neil said my opinion doesn’t matter to him and that’s up to him but I was only giving my honest opinion on how things are at Celtic. To be honest, I’m hurt and disappointed that he’s chosen to come out and have a go at me. Listen, he’s clearly a man under severe pressure so it’s maybe understandable.
He’s only human and it must be difficult to handle everything that’s going on right now. But he’s got to know that I wasn’t having any personal dig at him. Far from it, because I’ve been arguably his biggest supporter down the years.
The truth is, I’ve given him huge support throughout his two spells as manager. In the media, I’ve written countless columns backing him and it’s been the same when I’ve gone on the radio or TV.
When I speak to fans I’ve always said he’s the right man for the job. That’s actually been to my own detriment at times as I’ve come in for some real criticism from Celtic supporters who have often accused me of sticking up for him just because he’s a pal.
People reckon it’s been an old pals’ act from me. If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard that a thousand times.
Lennon returns to the dug-out on Wednesday as Celtic face Livingston looking for their first win of 2021.