Celtic announced this morning that Neil Lennon has resigned as manager.
Lennon was in his second spell as manager of the Glasgow club and had guided them to five trophies.
However, Celtic have struggled badly this season with their quest for ten Scottish Premiership titles in a row all but over as city rivals Rangers hold an 18-point lead at the top of the table.
Lennon said: “We have experienced a difficult season due to so many factors and, of course, it is very frustrating and disappointing that we have not been able to hit the same heights as we did previously.
“I have worked as hard as ever to try and turn things around, but unfortunately we have not managed to get the kind of run going that we have needed.
"I have always given my best to the Club and have been proud to deliver silverware to the Celtic supporters. The Club will always be part of me. I will always be a Celtic supporter myself and I will always want the best for Celtic.
“I would like to thank so many people at the Club who have given me so much and I would also like to thank my family for their love and support. I wish the Celtic supporters, players, staff and directors nothing but success for the future.”
Celtic Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has resigned from his position as Football Manager with immediate effect.
We thank Neil sincerely for all he has done for the club and we wish him every success going forward.— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 24, 2021
Current assistant manager, John Kennedy, will take interim charge of the team.
In Lennon's first spell as manager, he won three league titles and two Scottish Cups.
However, despite his successes, the news does not come as a surprise as fans were growing increasingly frustrated at Celtic's slump in form this season.
Lennon has returned to the role after Brendan Rodgers left to take over Leicester City in February 2019.
He had previously insisted he would not resign amid rising pressure.
Lennon apologised for “letting fans down again” after the 1-0 loss to Ross County on Sunday.
Lennon, who won 11 major honours in his playing career with Celtic, was described as a “club legend” by principal shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Desmond said: “Neil is a Celtic legend both as a player and manager. He has given so much to the Club, and with his success over the last number of years — including winning a Treble in his own right — he will be very difficult to replace.
“We thank Neil sincerely for all he has done for the club and we wish him every success going forward.”
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell added: “I would like to pay tribute to Neil for all he has done for the Club in his second spell, delivering our eighth and ninth successive league titles, the Quadruple Treble and winning the last five available domestic trophies.
“Neil has always been and will always be a true Celtic man and someone I will always hold in the highest regard.
“I have watched Neil fight many battles over many years, on and off the field, with a courage and tenacity few could match. Even this season, he has fought so hard and worked tirelessly to turn things around.
“While this season has not progressed as we would have liked, it cannot diminish the character or integrity of a man who has given the Club so much.
“Personally, it is a sad day for me to see Neil leave the Club. Neil is a man of quality and decency, he is someone who will always be part of the fabric of Celtic and someone who will always be welcomed at Celtic Park.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, and personally, I would like to thank Neil for his work as our manager and I wish him and his family good health and continued success in everything they do.”
