Returning Celtic boss Lennon heaps praise on ‘fantastic’ predecessor Rodgers

Neil Lennon used his first press conference as Celtic’s interim boss to heap praise on his predecessor Brendan Rodgers, who left for Leicester on Tuesday.

Lennon is returning to Celtic Park for a second spell in charge of the league leaders, and he insisted he does not want to be compared to the man who went before him.

Addressing the media for the first time on Wednesday, he said: ‘I’m very very grateful to be here. The board, Peter and Dermot have put the faith in me to see out the season.

Neil Lennon was full of energy as he spoke to the media after being appointed Celtic manager

Lennon (left) used his first press conference back to heap praise on Brendan Rodgers (right)

‘I’ve mellowed since I last took over, but I’ve still got the energy and the will to win. I don’t want to be compared to Brendan. He has his way and it’s been fantastic, and I have my way. I’m always learning and that will go on. 

‘The most important thing is the club. We’ve lost a manager who will go down as one of the greats. I’ve got big shoes to fill. I’m looking forward to the challenge.’

Clearly delighted to be back at his old club, at which he won five league titles as a player and three as a manager, Lennon spoke with passion as he discussed how much he’s changed in the five years since his first spell in charge.     

Rodgers left Celtic on Tuesday, signing a £5.5million-a-year deal as Leicester City manager

Lennon posed with the Celtic shirt as he returned for a second spell in charge of the club

‘I’m still always learning,’ he continued. ‘You dream of it, you don’t always believe it, but I hoped one day I would walk back through the doors.

‘I’m not even thinking [beyond this season], it’s about the club and the players. This is a club decision and come the summer, it’ll be another club decision.

‘This is a club that means a hell of a lot to me – as a player and as a manager. It’s a privilege. 

‘These opportunities come around once in a lifetime, and for me it’s come up twice.

‘The thunder is here. I don’t need to bring that back. I want to bring trophies back, that will be my remit. 

‘The supporters will be feeling agitated. I understand that, and it’s up to me to try and soothe that.’

Lennon walks to face the media for the first time as Celtic’s interim boss on Wednesday

Lennon insists he has mellowed since his first spell at club, but still has his previous ‘thunder’