John Hartson ‘Hurt and Disappointed’ After Lennon Comments

John Hartson has broken his silence after Neil Lennon dismissed his comments, claiming John’s opinion meant nothing to him.

Neil Lennon looked to take on the world on Monday as his well documented press conference was more a platform for the manager to vent.

One thing we were surprised about was Neil Lennon treating Harrison’s comments so poorly.

For the last 6 months while Neil Lennon’s support has dwindled, John has been defending the Irishman to his own detriment. Many in the support have called John out for his backing of the Celtic manager, even after the Champions League exit, Sparta Prague debacle and Ross County cup embarrassment.

It was the Ibrox defeat which was the breaking point for John and that’s when he’s decided change is needed. Neil is obviously going to defend his position against anyone, but there’s better ways to go about things.

The Welshman spoke his mind again after Neil Lennon’s comments and revealed he’s hurt by the response he got from the manager.

Hartson told SunSport: “Neil said my opinion doesn’t matter to him and that’s up to him.

“But I was only giving my honest opinion on how things are at Celtic.

“To be honest, I’m hurt and disappointed that he’s chosen to come out and have a go at me. Listen, he’s clearly a man under severe pressure so it’s maybe understandable.

“He’s only human and it must be difficult to handle everything that’s going on right now. But he’s got to know that I wasn’t having any personal dig at him. Far from it, because I’ve been arguably his biggest supporter down the years.

“The truth is, I’ve given him huge support throughout his two spells as manager.

“In the media, I’ve written countless columns backing him and it’s been the same when I’ve gone on the radio or TV.

“When I speak to fans I’ve always said he’s the right man for the job.

“That’s actually been to my own detriment at times as I’ve come in for some real criticism from Celtic supporters who have often accused me of sticking up for him just because he’s a pal.

“People reckon it’s been an old pals’ act from me. If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard that a thousand times.”

“When I have backed him it’s because I’ve genuinely believed in him.

“And it’s the same now that I’m saying it’s time for him to go. I’m just calling it as I see it.

“There are former Celtic players out there who maybe don’t want to voice their true opinion. That’s up to them.

 “But I only ever want to be honest and, for me, as I said in the podcast, it’s now time for Neil to go.

“I don’t take any satisfaction or enjoyment from saying that because I have known Neil a long time and consider him a good friend.

“I wish things were different and Celtic were on course for ten in a row but, as things stand, that looks highly unlikely.

“I’m not saying Neil is a bad manager, that’s not what I believe.

“But Rangers have such a huge lead at the top of the table, which tells me things need to change at Celtic. And in these circumstances that means a different manager.”