Lennon keen for Old Firm test

Celtic manager Neil Lennon says his side have all the momentum heading into Wednesday’s crunch Old Firm derby with Rangers at Celtic Park.

Saturday’s 2-1 triumph over Kilmarnock was Celtic’s eighth league win in succession, and saw them trim Rangers lead in the Scottish Premier League – which had been 15 points briefly in November – to a single point after the champions’ 2-1 loss at St Mirren.

Lennon was delighted with the results, and said his men would be heading into Wednesday’s game full of confidence.

“Momentum is with us,” Lennon told the BBC.

“It’s eight wins in a row and I can’t speak highly enough of the performances of the players in that period of time.”

“Overall, I am absolutely delighted with the players at the minute. Obviously, results elsewhere went our way so we’re right in there now.”

“It’s gone for us today but it can change again very quickly. People say anything can happen in an Old Firm game. We’re not getting complacent.”

“The players are feeling good about themselves.”

“We’ve won eight in a row and now we want to go nine in a row.”

“The fact of the matter is that we’re playing Rangers on the 28th and if we win the game, we know we’ll go top, if we lose the game it’s a four-point gap again so there’s a lot at stake.”

View the original article here

Tottenham to Sell Aaron Lennon for £15m After Winger Falls Out With Harry Redknapp

15 million this summer following a breakdown in his relationship with Harry Redknapp, Goal.com can reveal.

The Spurs manager is fed up with below-par performances from the England winger and is ready to listen to offers for him.

Lennon has scored just three goals in 42 matches this season and, although he has chipped in with eight assists in all competitions, only three of those have come in the Premier League.

His relationship with Redknapp has steadily deteriorated over the last two seasons following a string of disagreements, culminating in a barely concealed falling-out following Tottenham’s 4-0 Champions League defeat at Real Madrid last month.

The Spurs boss has become increasingly frustrated by what he believes is Lennon’s failure to respond to orders.

Neil Lennon gets a gift that goes boom

By Shourin Roy on April 20, 2011 5:15 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

A few days ago, Neil Lennon had talked about the scourge of sectarianism underlining the Old Firm rivalry and had expressed pessimism that it would ever be wiped out. The Celtic manager had reason to do so as he was one of the recipients of a letter bomb along with two other prominent club supporters.

Disturbing to say the least. And this maybe a poor choice of words but religion and football make for a combustible mix.

Categories: Gossip/Trash Talk, Soccer Coaches & Coaching, Soccer History, Soccer Players, Soccer Politics, Soccer Skills, Soccer Teams - Club Tags: Celtics, Neil Lennon No TrackBacks

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Tottenham Set for £20m Serie A Bid for Aaron Lennon That Is Bound To Fail

16 comments by The Newshound on March 11th, 2011

Juventus wants White Hart Lane winger.

Premier League Tickets Available from Tixdaq.com

Celtic to appeal Lennon ban

Celtic have confirmed they will appeal a six-match touchline ban handed to manager Neil Lennon for misconduct.

Lennon was handed the punishment after his appeal against an original two-week ban for his behaviour during Celtic’s defeat against Hearts in November was thrown out, and he was subsequently given a further four-week suspension for ‘excessive misconduct’.

However, Celtic have said they are “very surprised and extremely disappointed” by the Scottish Football Association’s (SFA) decision and confirmed they would fight the ban.

“Celtic and Neil Lennon confirmed today that they will be appealing today’s decision by the SFA disciplinary committee to impose a six-match touchline ban. The matter is in the hands of the club’s lawyers,” a statement from Celtic read.

“We are very surprised and extremely disappointed at today’s decision – we believe the punishment imposed was excessive in the circumstances and to our knowledge unprecedented for a first offence.”

“We have maintained for some time that a range of SFA processes and structures needed to be reviewed and updated. This view was supported recently by Henry McLeish in his review of the SFA.”

“Today’s events only underline and reinforce our opinion. Without question Celtic will be supporting its manager Neil Lennon in his appeal.”

“As well as challenging the severity of the punishment imposed, our appeal will also focus on issues of procedural fairness and the manner in which such hearings are conducted.”

If Celtic are unsuccessful in overturning the suspension, Lennon will be banned from the dug-out for a host of matches, including the Scottish Cup tie against Old Firm rivals Rangers in early February.

Wed 12 January, 2011

Celtic to appeal Lennon ban

Celtic have confirmed they will appeal a six-match touchline ban handed to manager Neil Lennon for misconduct.

Lennon was handed the punishment after his appeal against an original two-week ban for his behaviour during Celtic’s defeat against Hearts in November was thrown out, and he was subsequently given a further four-week suspension for ‘excessive misconduct’.

However, Celtic have said they are “very surprised and extremely disappointed” by the Scottish Football Association’s (SFA) decision and confirmed they would fight the ban.

“Celtic and Neil Lennon confirmed today that they will be appealing today’s decision by the SFA disciplinary committee to impose a six-match touchline ban. The matter is in the hands of the club’s lawyers,” a statement from Celtic read.

“We are very surprised and extremely disappointed at today’s decision – we believe the punishment imposed was excessive in the circumstances and to our knowledge unprecedented for a first offence.”

“We have maintained for some time that a range of SFA processes and structures needed to be reviewed and updated. This view was supported recently by Henry McLeish in his review of the SFA.”

“Today’s events only underline and reinforce our opinion. Without question Celtic will be supporting its manager Neil Lennon in his appeal.”

“As well as challenging the severity of the punishment imposed, our appeal will also focus on issues of procedural fairness and the manner in which such hearings are conducted.”

If Celtic are unsuccessful in overturning the suspension, Lennon will be banned from the dug-out for a host of matches, including the Scottish Cup tie against Old Firm rivals Rangers in early February.

Wed 12 January, 2011

Lennon handed six-match ban

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been given a six-match touchline ban by the Scottish Football Association for misconduct.

Lennon was sent to the stands by referee Craig Thomson during his side’s 2-0 loss to Hearts at Tynecastle in November for an altercation with fourth official Steven McLean when Celtic were denied a penalty.

Lennon was originally handed a two-match suspension for the incident and his decision to appeal has back-fired after the SFA opted to treble the ban to six matches, although the club has indicated they will appeal against the latest ban.

“Following a meeting of the Scottish FA’s Disciplinary Committee at Hampden Park today, the Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, was found guilty of excessive misconduct,” an SFA statement read.

“Mr Lennon will serve his automatic two-match ban for being dismissed during the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on November 10, 2010, plus an additional four matches for excessive misconduct.”

“The sanctions are effective from Tuesday, January 18, and Mr Lennon has seven days to appeal the decision.”

The January 18 start date means Lennon will be in charge for Wednesday’s game at Hamilton and Saturday’s visit to Hibernian.

The first game Lennon will miss will be the league visit by Aberdeen on January 22, and he will also miss the Scottish Cup fifth-round meeting with Rangers at Ibrox.

His first game back in the dugout will be the league meeting with Rangers at Ibrox on February 20.

Tue 11 January, 2011

Lennon handed six-match ban

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been given a six-match touchline ban by the Scottish Football Association for misconduct.

Lennon was sent to the stands by referee Craig Thomson during his side’s 2-0 loss to Hearts at Tynecastle in November for an altercation with fourth official Steven McLean when Celtic were denied a penalty.

Lennon was originally handed a two-match suspension for the incident and his decision to appeal has back-fired after the SFA opted to treble the ban to six matches, although the club has indicated they will appeal against the latest ban.

“Following a meeting of the Scottish FA’s Disciplinary Committee at Hampden Park today, the Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, was found guilty of excessive misconduct,” an SFA statement read.

“Mr Lennon will serve his automatic two-match ban for being dismissed during the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on November 10, 2010, plus an additional four matches for excessive misconduct.”

“The sanctions are effective from Tuesday, January 18, and Mr Lennon has seven days to appeal the decision.”

The January 18 start date means Lennon will be in charge for Wednesday’s game at Hamilton and Saturday’s visit to Hibernian.

The first game Lennon will miss will be the league visit by Aberdeen on January 22, and he will also miss the Scottish Cup fifth-round meeting with Rangers at Ibrox.

His first game back in the dugout will be the league meeting with Rangers at Ibrox on February 20.

Tue 11 January, 2011

Bale and Lennon sweep Newcastle

By Shourin Roy on December 28, 2010 10:11 PM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

Once again Spurs found themselves a man short as Younes Kaboul was sent off for argy bargy after being the brunt off many fouls by Cheik Tioté. The Ivoirian is fast acquiring an unsavoury reputation.

However, Spurs are by far playing the best football in the Premiership and I say this being an Arsenal fan. Fantastic width on the flanks with Bale and Lennon burning turf with their pace, an excellent ball carrier in Luka Modric and a slot striker/ set piece specialist in Rafael Van Der Vaart who gives them many different looks. They have some defensive concerns and in Gomes a goalie who can cause a few hearts to stop but Spurs look like a complete team.

Both goals were outstanding. Aaron Lennon cutting outside and lasering a shot across the goal mouth catching Tim Krul completely off position. Spurs added another when Modric stole the ball from Andy Carroll and sent the relentless Bale racing down. The Welshman cut in and then out creating a sliver of real estate through which he drove in the ball past Krul.

At this time, Spurs resemble in counterattacking strength, the 2008 Man Utd squad with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in full flow. There is that same powerful and direct look that has opposing defenses running for cover.

With this win and Chelsea's loss, Spurs move to the top four behind Arsenal by 2 points although their hated opponents have a game in hand.

Categories: Soccer Videos, Soccer Teams - Club, Soccer Skills, Soccer Players, Soccer History, Soccer Humor, Soccer Culture, Soccer Business, Soccer Coaches & Coaching, English Premier League 2011, Gossip/Trash Talk Tags: Aaron Lennon, English Premier League 2010-11, Gareth Bale, Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspurs No TrackBacks

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Lennon slams play-off proposal

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has voiced his opposition to a proposed Scottish Premier League play-off to be introduced as a title decider.

Lennon was joined by Old Firm opposite Walter Smith in describing the idea as ‘ludicrous’, after Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson coined the proposal that the top four teams could have a finals-like play-off period at season’s end.

A play-off involving the SPL’s top four teams would undoubtedly threaten to break the duopoly that Celtic and Rangers have over the other 10 teams in the division, but Lennon rubbished the proposal.

“I don’t think it’s fair at all, I think it’s absolutely ludicrous. I saw the headlines today and I didn’t even bother reading them because I just think it’s a piece of nonsense,” Lennon said.

“I’ve been here 10 years and if you look at the gap between the top team and the third and fourth-placed team, the gap is always quite big. So basically you’re saying your season comes down to two or three games at the end of the season? Absolute rubbish.”

Smith said the play-off idea had already been trialled, and failed, in European football.

“From memory, I think they tried it in Holland on one occasion. It was one occasion and then they got rid of it. If you look at the Championship in England, play-offs work as long as your first and second teams get the rewards that they deserve,” the Rangers boss said.

In regards to his job, Lennon said he felt his future beyond the current season – which has Celtic sitting in second place, three points from leaders Rangers – would depend on whether they held the trophy aloft on the season’s final day.

“It will be based on results. We’ll see how things go over the next few months but I’m not going to bang any doors down. I’ll just concentrate on what I’m doing at the minute,” Lennon said.

“Yeah, but my remit was to turn things around. You won’t be able to evaluate that until later on down the line.”

Tue 21 December, 2010

Lennon slams play-off proposal

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has voiced his opposition to a proposed Scottish Premier League play-off to be introduced as a title decider.

Lennon was joined by Old Firm opposite Walter Smith in describing the idea as ‘ludicrous’, after Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson coined the proposal that the top four teams could have a finals-like play-off period at season’s end.

A play-off involving the SPL’s top four teams would undoubtedly threaten to break the duopoly that Celtic and Rangers have over the other 10 teams in the division, but Lennon rubbished the proposal.

“I don’t think it’s fair at all, I think it’s absolutely ludicrous. I saw the headlines today and I didn’t even bother reading them because I just think it’s a piece of nonsense,” Lennon said.

“I’ve been here 10 years and if you look at the gap between the top team and the third and fourth-placed team, the gap is always quite big. So basically you’re saying your season comes down to two or three games at the end of the season? Absolute rubbish.”

Smith said the play-off idea had already been trialled, and failed, in European football.

“From memory, I think they tried it in Holland on one occasion. It was one occasion and then they got rid of it. If you look at the Championship in England, play-offs work as long as your first and second teams get the rewards that they deserve,” the Rangers boss said.

In regards to his job, Lennon said he felt his future beyond the current season – which has Celtic sitting in second place, three points from leaders Rangers – would depend on whether they held the trophy aloft on the season’s final day.

“It will be based on results. We’ll see how things go over the next few months but I’m not going to bang any doors down. I’ll just concentrate on what I’m doing at the minute,” Lennon said.

“Yeah, but my remit was to turn things around. You won’t be able to evaluate that until later on down the line.”

Tue 21 December, 2010

Tottenham Ready to Sell £26m England Pair Aaron Lennon and Peter Crouch

"Britannia Stadium Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur (1-2) Premier League 21/08/2010 Aaron Lennon (Spurs) Photo Roger Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom" /

Celtic Boss Neil Lennon Would Very Much Like Shay Given to Move to Parkhead

2 comments by The Newshound on September 22nd, 2010

Hoops boss may well win race for Eastlands bench warmer.

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