Neil Lennon is back in football and determined to take Hibs into the SPFL Premiership, writes Joe McHugh.
The former Celtic boss was sacked by Bolton in March but agreed a two year deal with the Edinburgh side late last night.
Lennon takes over from Alan Stubbs who ended a 114 year wait to win the Scottish Cup but failed to achieve promotion with Hibs twice losing out in the play-off’s as they prepare for a third season out of the top flight.
After coming close to returning to Celtic the former Northern Irish internationalist is delighted to be back in the game and looking forward to a fresh challenge.
“It feels great to be here, I’m really happy.” Lennon told The Scottish Sun. “It is a big club, a good squad of players. I think there is real potential here.
“For me it’s a really good move, a good fit. Negotiations have gone well. I have a really big challenge on my hands but I am really looking forward to it.
“What can I offer this club? Hopefully a winning mentality. I am following big shoes with Alan and what he achieved here.
“The remit is obviously trying to get promotion but that’ll be difficult because of the competition in the Championship.
Neil Lennon will lead us into next season-are you with him? Season tickets on sale now: https://t.co/HgD3lUzx8v pic.twitter.com/m5MAnOE16l
— Hibernian FC (@HibsOfficial) June 8, 2016
“The facilities here are incredible. I have been really impressed. The chairman was here, which was great, and I was really impressed with what Leeann had to say too.
“It’s very exciting for me obviously. I have big admiration for the club and have done for a long time. So I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”
Lennon will bring in Garry Parker as his assistant but it’s unlikely that Anthony Stokes will be returning to Edinburgh. Celtic announced yesterday that they wouldn’t be taking up the one year option on his contract with Alan Stubbs expected to be reunited with Stokes at Rotherham.
