Neil Lennon does not want the Celtic board to offer him a new contract out of "sympathy".
The Hoops boss has had a troubled first full season in charge of the Parkhead side, being targeted by death threats and parcel bombs and he was attacked by a fan during the 3-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday.
The Irishman was given rapturous backing by the Celtic fans during the 4-0 win home win over Motherwell even though the title was ultimately lost to Old Firm rivals Rangers by one point, the Ibrox men clinching their third successive title with a 5-1 win at Kilmarnock. After the game Lennon came on to the pitch to address the fans, saying: "This isn't the end, this is the beginning."
However, he revealed in the post-match press conference that he has yet to discuss his current six-month rolling contract with the club and he wants any new deal to be offered on merit. "I think I was being presumptuous (out on the pitch)," joked Lennon, who congratulated Rangers and their manager Walter Smith on winning the title.
"But that's what I want to do. I brought a lot of players here and they have been magnificent for me all season. I think we have a nucleus of a very good squad. But I am saying all this and I might not be here.
"I had a good chat with Mr Dermot Desmond (majority shareholder) and the chairman (John Reid) and Peter (Lawwell, chief executive) just after the game and I am hopeful that I will be here next season. But they might not want me. The remit is to win the championship and we haven't done that so that might be a stroke against me.
"I can't really comment on what the board are thinking because I haven't spoken to them and I probably won't until after the Scottish Cup final next week. But I don't want it (contract) through sympathy or anything like that. If they were to give me a contract then I want it because they think I am the right person to take the club forward and bring success to the club."
Lennon claimed winning the Scottish Cup against Motherwell at Hampden next week would be a "fitting" end to the season for the players and fans. "We are obliged to bring silverware to the club," he said. "It has been a emotional week for a lot of people and it would be fitting for the players to finish the season with something in the trophy cabinet."
Motherwell boss Stuart McCall made five changes to his side with the Hampden final in mind, and was pleased his players had emerged "virtually unscathed". "I was delighted to get that game out of the way," the former Rangers midfielder said.
"We were under no illusions how difficult it would be with five changes but we were virtually unscathed. Shaun Hutchinson picked up a little knock but nothing untoward. We didn't want a mauling and we managed to avoid that. Only one game has been our agenda and that's next week. It will be the biggest game of my career and for most of the players."
Source: PA
