BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Hibernian have confirmed the appointment of Neil Lennon as their new head coach on a two-year deal.
Lennon, who won three consecutive Scottish Premier League titles and two Scottish Cups during his four years in charge of Celtic, replaces Alan Stubbs following his former teammate’s decision to quit Easter Road for Rotherham United last week.
The 44-year-old’s most recent role was with Bolton Wanderers, where he was sacked in March with the club bottom of the Championship and in financial crisis amid debts of £173 million.
However, Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster has no doubt that Lennon – the last man to reach the Champions League last-16 with a Scottish side – is the right man to guide the capital club back to the top-flight.
Dempster lauded: “As soon as Neil was identified as the outstanding candidate we were determined to bring him to Easter Road. He has managed at a very high level, taking Celtic to the last 16 of the Champions League, and we were attracted by his ability to get the most out of players and his driven, winning mentality.”
Lennon arrived at Hibs’ East Lothian training base on Wednesday evening to finalise details with the club’s hierarchy, including non-executive chairman Rod Petrie and, after several hours, the deal was completed.
He will be joined by long-time assistant Garry Parker, who played with Lennon at Leicester City and has served alongside him at Celtic and Bolton.
Petrie added: “We are delighted to have secured a Head Coach of Neil’s calibre and profile, and we look forward to him bringing his drive and mentality to our campaign to win the Championship this season and secure promotion back to the top flight of Scottish football.”
