Not many people have come out to defend ex Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, since he departed Celtic last week. He had many detractors during his time as Hoops gaffer and especially towards the end of his tenure so it is refreshing to see one of his ex players come out in the media to fight his corner.
Lennon resigned last week after yet another humiliating defeat to Ross County this season. The Staggies inflicted their second defeat of the season on the Hoops, albeit the first was in the league cup back in November, but Jordan White’s 71st minute goal to grab three points in Dingwall was the last straw and Lennon left his post 48 hours later.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Celtic defender, Jeremie Frimpong, was speaking about the pressure and criticism Lennon received and was clear in his opinion on the level of criticism his former gaffer was receiving, “I think, in football. Obviously Celtic in previous years, they always win games, and there’s always going to be a point where they can’t win everything. So there’s always going to be a time where they’re going to have to lose.
Was criticism of Neil Lennon over the top?
YES
NO
“So the criticism Neil Lennon was getting was a bit over the top, because in football. It’s normal. It’s normal. I feel like Celtic, the fans, that they’re so used to winning that when, when they start going down. They didn’t know how to feel about it, but it’s normal to feel that.”
It seems clear to me that young Frimpong, although correct in some ways about the criticism Lennon received (I have addressed this before here), just didn’t get how big this season was to the Celtic fans. Not only that, it is how players like him and others in the squad let our rivals get so far ahead that they practically handed the title on a platter to them, thus proving the absolute disconnect between the players, club and fans.
It was a good try by young Frimpong, but he certainly should stick to commenting on his own team when he clearly does not understand the depth of feeling and disappointment amongst the Celtic supporters.
Think you know your history and Celtic away strips? Take the quiz and see if you can guess the season these strips were worn. Invite friends and family to come and beat your score!