Lennon ‘won’t be intimidated’
Lurgan man Neil Lennon has said he will not be intimidated out of his job as manager of Celtic by threats, after it emerged parcel bombs had been posted to him.
As police in Scotland continue to appeal for three key witnesses in a bid to catch those responsible, Lennon claimed the attacks on him would not have happened at any other club.
“And it’s not because it’s my aggressive behaviour on the pitch any more,” he added.
“A lot was said about that when I played and I think you all know the reasons why these things are happening now.
“It’s good that people are talking about it and we will get something done about it.”
Devices were also sent to high profile Celtic fans, former Labour MSP Trish Godman and Lennon’s lawyer Paul McBride QC.
“Anyone in any walk of life shouldn’t have to deal with something like this,” Lennon said. “It is uncomfortable – you see your face every hour on the hour on the news and after a while you start thinking ‘Is that me they are talking about?'”
Fans came out in support of the Hoops boss on Thursday night, holding a special vigil outside Celtic Park in Glasgow to show their solidarity. Lennon said the support meant a lot to him.
“For me this is the greatest privilege in my life, to manage this football club and the support I’ve had from the fans and my close family and friends has been my strength,” he said.
“My life has changed a bit but what the job entails hasn’t changed as far as I’m concerned – I’m totally committed to the club and supporters and certainly committed to the players.”
Strathclyde police say a post box in Kilwinning in North Ayshire is now a focal point of their investigation into the parcel bombs.
They are now trying to track down three potential witnesses who walked past the box last Friday and are looking for a couple, thought to be in their late teens, and another man in his 30s.
But Lennon’s focus is now Sunday’s Old Firm game at Ibrox.
“You get an opportunity to manage Celtic once in a lifetime,” he said. “I would have regretted it the rest of my life if I hadn’t taken it. It (the is not going to deter me from doing what I want to do.”
Strathclyde police have revealed there will be 1,000 extra officers deployed on the streets of Glasgow to ensure the day passes off peacefully.
