The Celtic board have rewarded Neil Lennon for last year's efforts, under considerable pressure, by doubling his rolling contract to a 12-month version. Lennon originally took over from Tony Mowbray on an interim basis in March 2010 before agreeing a six-month rolling contract. The new deal reportedly also doubles his salary. Lennon had to cope with additional pressure off the field such as having round-the-clock security after a parcel bomb addressed to him was intercepted in March; a bullet being sent to him earlier in the year, and being attacked by a fan at Tynecastle in May. These incidents galvanised support for Lennon among the fans - which he acknowledged following the confirmation of his new contract.
Lennon said: "I would like to record my thanks to our supporters. The backing they gave to me and the team last season was absolutely tremendous. Clearly there was a lot involved in last season and their contribution was immense. I said when I was appointed manager that we wanted to re-ignite Celtic Park and make it the place it should be - one of Europe's finest, most atmospheric football arenas. There is no question this happened. There were numerous occasions last year when the fans' unique backing played such a crucial role and I know that we can build on this for next season. I know that myself, the board, my management team and all my players will be doing all we can to ensure that our fans have a team they can be proud of. 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. The players have connected with our fans, they know what Celtic means to so many people and I know they will be looking to deliver success for them this coming season."
Lennon, who was "absolutely delighted" with his new deal, added: "I have had 10 great years connected to Celtic and I hope to enjoy many more. Clearly this is down to me and I will be doing everything I possibly can to ensure we bring our fans more success. 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."
Outgoing chairman John Reid praised Lennon for the way he handled his the off-field problems last season. He 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 insists Lennon will get backing from the board in his bid to win more honours for the club. He said: "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."