Johan Mjallby is the latest Celtic figure to back Neil Lennon to take permanent charge of the club at the end of the season, as reported by The Daily Mail.
There’s been a clear PR push in the media over the last few weeks to big up the interim Hoops boss for the permanent role at Celtic Park, despite fan concerns that Lennon might not be the right man to lead the club forward into a new campaign.
Scott Brown and Callum McGregor have both backed their current boss to remain in the role, while John Kennedy also spoke extensively about the issue this week, claiming that Lennon is already planning for life at Lennoxtown next term.
Step forward Mjallby then, who is also speaking in glowing terms about his former teammate and colleague taking charge.
As quoted by The Daily Mail, the former defender said:
Neil will definitely be in the running if they finish the season on a high and can secure another treble, which would be unbelievable. A triple Treble, it’s unheard of.
I’ve obviously been following Celtic closely and know there are a couple of names being thrown about too, however.
Neil is probably the safer bet, yes, but it depends on how the outlook is from the board. They are obviously aiming to keep winning league trophies, because that’s their bread and butter.
It wouldn’t be a gamble to appoint someone else, but it would depend on the name of the manager coming in. It would come down to ensuring that whoever gets the job is really supported to make sure they can get the right players in.
I’m biased because I know Neil and loved working with him. I know how passionate he is for Celtic. If he was to get the job, he would probably play a little bit different to the way the team played under Brendan but that’s natural.
Mjallby of course was Lennon’s assistant manager at the club during his initial four-year spell at the club between 2010 and 2014, so he knows the interim boss almost better than anyone professionally.
It’s no surprise to hear him back the 47-year-old for the job, although it does appear to be becoming an automatic coronation rather than an extensive recruitment search.
The only names linked with the job have emerged because of unpredictable bookmakers’ odds.
Are the club doing all they can to ensure we have the best man for the job next season?
Would you be happy if Neil Lennon is given the job permanently? Have your say in the comments blow…