Source: Team_Talk
New boss Lennon imagines Bhoys glory
ew Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes he can lead the club back to the top of the Scottish game after being confirmed as the new Bhoys boss.[LNB] Lennon, who was presented in his new role at a press conference held at Parkhead on Wednesday morning, had been in charge on an interim basis following Tony Mowbray's exit in March.[LNB]The 38-year-old former Hoops captain is relishing the task ahead of him, after seeing Rangers end a spell of Celtic dominance by winning the last two Scottish Premier League titles.[LNB]Lennon said: "Celtic is my home. I've spent the last 10 years of my working life here and I look forward to bringing back the success our great club deserves.[LNB]"Whether player, captain or manager, I'm a Celtic supporter first and foremost and no-one will work harder to put a winning team on the park.[LNB]"Over the past few weeks I've had detailed discussions with senior figures at the club including chairman Peter Lawwell and (owner) Dermot Desmond, all of whom have been extremely supportive and I'm convinced that, working together, we have the foundations in place to put silverware back in the trophy cabinet at Celtic Park."[LNB]Speaking at his presentation, Lennon outlined his ambitions. He said: "The challenge is to try to unite the support again.[LNB]"What I want to bring is the thunder back. I want this place rocking again.[LNB]"I want the passion, I want the noise.[LNB]"I want the fans to be able to walk to the ground ready for the players to go to war every time they go on the pitch.[LNB]"All those things will be in-built before the season starts."[LNB]He added: "We've got to put up a really stronger challenge to Rangers and try to wrest the title away from them."[LNB]Rangers had all but clinched the SPL title by the time Lennon was handed control, after which they began to pick up form.[LNB]Former Hibernian and West Brom boss Mowbray proved a failure at the club and could not keep Celtic in touch with their Old Firm rivals.[LNB]Celtic chairman John Reid insisted Lennon was always the first choice for the full-time job and denied anyone with authority from the club had approached the likes of Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.[LNB]"We considered, we debated, we maintained dialogue with Neil throughout that," Reid said.[LNB]"On every occasion our head brought us back to where our heart had started.[LNB]"We came back to Neil Lennon.[LNB]"I offer him my congratulations on behalf of this whole club."[LNB]Lennon confirmed Finland coach Stuart Baxter is one of the men in contention to come in and work alongside him.[LNB]"He's a candidate," Lennon said, amid reports the Finnish FA are reluctant to release Baxter.[LNB]Lennon added: "It's a wonderful moment for me.[LNB]"I don't think anyone knows the club better than myself. There are just other aspects I need to work on.[LNB]"I think it's a priority to challenge for the title.[LNB]"Last season wasn't good enough but the players showed me they have it in them.[LNB]"They proved a lot to themselves over the run-in.[LNB]"We know we've got to hit the ground running.[LNB]"We'll be looking to bring in a few players with experience and a bit more nous."
