Neil Lennon’s latest comments about Martin O’Neill felt unusually open for somebody who probably understands the situation better than almost anybody else around Celtic right now.
After losing the Scottish Cup Final to O’Neill’s side at Hampden, Lennon publicly backed his former manager to remain in charge next season. On the surface, the comments sounded supportive and respectful.
But they may also reveal something else.
Lennon knows exactly how demanding the Celtic job becomes over a full season. He also knows O’Neill personally far better than most people speaking publicly about the situation. That is why the strength of his backing stood out.
If Lennon privately believed O’Neill had already decided to walk away, it would be surprising to see him put that kind of public pressure on either O’Neill or the Celtic hierarchy. Especially given the respect between the two men.
Instead, Lennon sounded like somebody who genuinely believes there is still a real chance O’Neill stays.
That matters because O’Neill himself continues sending mixed signals every time he discusses the future. One interview sounds like a manager already imagining pre-season plans and tactical work with the squad. The next sounds like somebody exhausted by the thought of another full campaign.
Celtic’s season probably explains part of that contradiction.
The title race became emotionally draining during the final weeks. O’Neill increasingly leaned on experienced players, physical intensity and direct football once the pressure tightened. Yet despite all of that, Celtic still ended the season lifting both trophies.
Lennon spoke about O’Neill’s future while discussing the aftermath of Hampden.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “I think it’s his decision, I think it should be his decision, whether he wants to stay on or not and only he can answer that.
“So I think the club should let him decide what he wants to do.
“I think he’s put himself in the best position, I don’t see many other candidates out there that could do what he’s done this season and it doesn’t surprise me.
“So if he stays on, great. If he doesn’t then again the club should do something for him in terms of the recognition that he’s brought to the club in two spells.”
The most revealing line may have been “if he stays on, great.”
Lennon did not speak like somebody already preparing people for O’Neill leaving. He sounded more like somebody carefully leaving the decision entirely in O’Neill’s hands while still making clear what he thinks Celtic should do.
Given their relationship stretching back more than 20 years, that probably carries more weight than most outside opinions right now.
