Former Celtic striker Tommy Johnson has revealed Neil Lennon wanted him in last summer to head up Celtic’s recruitment but it was rejected by Peter Lawwell who appointed Nicky Hammond on a full time basis.
Hammond came in on a short term contract to begin with but then was given the full time job eventually.
In between times, Neil Lennon requested Tommy come in and be that man on a full time basis.
Speaking to the Huddle podcast, Tommy revealed the manager wanted him in. The former Celt is head of recruitment at Blackpool and his held in high regards, but after initial talks, it was vetoed by Peter Lawwell.
“I was all for coming up and helping Neil but it didn’t materialise.
“Lennon wanted us in to help out with the recruitment, someone around him who he could talk to.
“You need, as a manager, someone you can talk to on a personal basis.
“The powers that be decided against it.”
It speaks to a big issue that Neil Lennon has never had any say over the people around him during his second spell at Celtic Park. The manager had his assistant and first team coached picked for him and his head of recruitment even though he’s clearly recommended who he wanted.
Peter Lawwell is a micro manager and wanted his own men around the manager. You feel for Neil Lennon in this scenario but then again, he accepted those terms when he came back to the club
