Collins backs Lennon

John Collins did not think of applying for the vacant post at Parkhead despite the fact that as an ex-Celt, who has already enjoyed success as a manager bringing the Co-operative Insurance Cup back to Easter Road, he has more top flight experience than Neil Lennon. He said: "No, I didn't apply for the job. Celtic know all about me so obviously they felt I wasn't the man for the job otherwise I would have got a phone call." However, Collins believes Lennon deserves the chance to be Celtic manager despite his lack of experience. The former Hibs managerw arned the Celtic board that they would be asking for trouble if they install a football mentor above the Irishman without Lennon's approval, an issue that is reportedly proving to be stumbling block in negotiations.

Collins said: " No it doesn't surprise me (that Lennon is set to be given the job), they know Neil very well. He was a terrific captain for the club and has been coaching for a year or so with the reserves. He came in at the end of the season and apart from the Ross County result, he did a fantastic job with eight victories in the league. So good luck to Neil, it looks like he is going to get the job so I wish him every success and for me the logical thing is that he appoints his staff because he has to trust them and work with them to take the club forward The manager makes the decisions. He decides who his backroom team is going to be, who his coaches are going to be and he has got to be in control of that situation. Otherwise you are asking for trouble if the club appoints someone above his head. But it's a different ball game if he (the manager) appoints an older man to work above him."