Lennon vows - 'This isn't the end, this is the beginning'

Celtic 4 Motherwell 0: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 Northern Irishman was given rapturous backing by the Celtic fans during the 4-0 win home over Motherwell even though the title was ultimately lost to Old Firm rivals Rangers by one point.

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.

Lennon added: “We are very disappointed. I don’t like finishing second at anything. Our priority was the championship but I’d like to congratulate Rangers. To win the league with 93 points takes some doing, it shows great consistency in the run-in.

“Obviously I would like to congratulate Walter as well, he has been a tremendous ambassador for the game in Scotland.”

Asked what he thought about those who have claimed he has brought much of the trouble on himself, Lennon replied: “Astonishing. That’s one word.”

CELTIC: Forster, Wilson, Loovens, Majstorovic, Izaguirre (Maloney 46), Forrest (McCourt 66), Brown, Ki, Mulgrew, Hooper, Samaras (Juarez 75). Subs not used: Zaluska, Cha, Rogne, Murphy. Booked: Forrest.

MOTHERWELL: Hollis, Saunders, Hutchinson (Page 66), Carswell, Hammell, Humphrey (McHugh 71), Gunning, Hateley, Jones, Forbes, Jeffers (Casagolda 74). Subs not used: Randolph, Jennings, Murphy, Pollock. Booked: Carswell.

Referee: Alan Muir (Scotland).