Exclusive – Celtic are considering an approach for Ipswich Town boss Paul Lambert should they decide to part ways with Neil Lennon in the weeks ahead.
Lennon is under serious pressure at Parkhead after a draw with St Johnstone extended their poor run to just two wins in 12 matches, and left them 13 points behind Premiership leaders Rangers – albeit with two games in hand.
The Celtic board are reluctant to relieve the Northern Irishman of his duties and reports on Sunday night suggested he was fairly secure in his role. Peter Lawwell and co don’t want to be seen to be yielding to the pressure piled onto them by the Green Brigade supporters’ group who have staged violent protests against Lennon’s position.
? Neil Lennon speaking to the media.
“On the scenes on Sunday, we were disappointed and hurt. I understand the frustrations of the supporters. We are not in a great run at the minute. We are in agreement, we must do better and we have to do that with results and performances.” pic.twitter.com/amJ2UADxFQ
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 2, 2020
But while they remain insistent that a turnaround could be on the cards, 90min have learned that they are privately considering their options as they look to recover their dwindling hopes of a tenth successive league title.
A source has confirmed that should they decide to change track, club legend Lambert is very much in their thinking, and would be one of the early frontrunners if the change was made now. Lambert is held in high regard after making nearly 300 appearances for the club as a player and has substantial experience in management, and has been in charge of Ipswich since 2018.
The board understand concerns of fans and although they want to avoid a knee-jerk reaction, they are planning for life after Lennon, feeling the axe may be inevitable if form doesn’t pick up soon.
A number of managers have been linked with the post, such as former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and current Dundee sporting director Gordon Strachan, but it’s Lambert who is most prominently in their thinking at this early stage.
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