Soccer:Celtic manager Neil Lennon said he was "absolutely delighted" with his new 12-month rolling contract after returning from a family holiday and signing on the dotted line.
The Glasgow club confirmed the news today though the manager’s new contract was agreed and ratified by the board before he left Scotland for a family holiday a fortnight ago. The 39-year-old put pen to paper today.
“I am absolutely delighted to agree this new contract with the club. I have had 10 great years connected to Celtic and I hope to enjoy many more,” said Lennon on the club’s official website.
“Clearly this is down to me and I will be doing everything I possibly can to ensure we bring our fans more success.”
The Northern Irishman, who succeeded Tony Mowbray as manager on an interim basis in March 2010, has been rewarded for improving the Parkhead side in his first full season in charge.
Celtic finished second to Rangers in the Scottish Premier League last season but beat Motherwell in the final of the Scottish Cup.
Lennon’s side also lost to the Ibrox men in the final of the Cup.
The former Celtic skipper continued: “I have been speaking to Peter (Lawwell, chief executive) over the past few weeks and we are both delighted to move forward together.
“We have sat down, looked at last season and now we look ahead. I know that Peter and the board’s vision for the club is the same as mine. We are absolutely together on this, we want to bring success to the club and reward the commitment which our supporters continue to make.
“We want to provide our fans with entertaining, attacking and professional football but ultimately we aim to deliver silverware. Work begins now on striving to bring domestic trophies to Celtic Park and on having some success in Europe.
“We have already begun looking at the squad for next season. Whoever comes into the squad I know they will be joining some very talented players here who share my appetite for success.”
Celtic chairman John Reid said: “We are very pleased to be able to announce this new contract for Neil.
“Neil has proven himself as a football manager with great talent and someone who we are delighted to have in charge. For more than a decade, Neil Lennon has shown tremendous commitment and dedication to Celtic.
“Last season was a particularly difficult one for Neil, but he came through this period with tremendous credit.
“This is testament to his real strength of character and fortitude, qualities which I know he will use again as he aims to build on this season and bring the club even more success.”
Lawwell added: “We have had very positive discussions with Neil in recent weeks.
“We all know the direction we are going in, we are already planning for next season and our supporters can rest assured that Neil will receive every support from the board as we aim to build on last season.
“We look ahead to the future with confidence.”
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