Neil Lennon wants his players to use the response of the fans to their title failure as motivation to go one better next time around. The title was lost by just a single point with Celtic gathering 92 points, their highest SPL tally since the Martin O'Neill era. The fans were right behind the side throughout the 4-0 win over Motherwell after three early goals for Rangers effectively ended the title race. Lennon's name was a regular feature of the noise coming from the Parkhead crowd but the players were also cheered as they waved goodbye after the final whistle. The Celtic manager believes such backing can help drive his players on.
He said: "It was a paradox, really. Even though we lost the title, it was still a great atmosphere and a sort of celebration of all things Celtic. I said to the players when we got into the dressing room, 'Imagine what it will be like when you do win the championship'. This club is an iconic club. That shirt is an iconic shirt, and I know these players feel privileged to play here. They want to be here next year and they want another crack at things. And we want to build a team not just for this year or next year, but for years to come."
Lennon admitted he felt better than expected despite the title blow, having been satisfied with his team's peformances for the vast majority of the season. Lennon, who has another chance of securing his first silverware as manager when Celtic take on Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, added: "I have not seen those kind of scenes here for 10 or 12 years. Normally, when news is coming in of goals at the other game, there is a flatness. But there was no evidence of that. If anything, it went the other way and the atmosphere at Celtic Park got better and better. The players thrived on it, and I was very proud of the supporters."