Celtic make decision on immediate Neil Lennon future, Parkhead club rules out return of duo as next management team, ex-Rangers No.1 to retire immediately, former Celtic star has 'no sympathy' for Lennon - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

Tuesday’s Scottish football news and gossip.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon. Picture: SNS

Lennon to stay on – for now

Neil Lennon has been granted a stay of execution by Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, who will allow the under-fire manager to take charge of Thursday’s Europa League clash with Milan at the San Siro. The business tycoon is said to be furious with the behaviour of a small number of Celtic fans after Sunday’s loss to Ross County and doesn’t want to bow to their demands. (Daily Record)

‘No sympathy’ for Lennon

Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas insists he has “no sympathy” for manager Neil Lennon because the Northern Irishman never earned the right to be Celtic manager in the first place, insisting his hiring was another example of the club’s board going with the cheap option. (Daily Express, print)

No truth in O’Neill/Keane rumours

Rumours linking Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane with returns to Celtic Park as the new management duo to replace Neil Lennon are completely false, according to a club insider. (Daily Record)

Rangers’ title odds tumble

The odds of Rangers winning the title have dropped even further in the wake of Celtic’s Betfred Cup exit to Ross County. Steven Gerrard’s men are now 2/9 to finish the season on top, while Celtic are out at 11/4. (Scottish Sun)

Celtic-Hibs controversy

Celtic’s request to move their first SPFL Premiership home match of 2021 to accommodate a winter training camp was granted against Hibs’ wishes – as the date was in the same weekend and league arbitration rules favour the host club. (Evening News)

Ex-Rangers keeper to retire

Former Rangers No.1 Cammy Bell has informed current club Queen’s Park that he wishes to retire from football, effective immediately. The 34-year-old informed manager Ray McKinnon yesterday ahead of his final training session. (Scottish Sun)

Budge loan to Hearts

Ann Budge has given Hearts a fresh loan of more than £1million to help with operating costs. Through her company, Bidco (1874) Limited, the Edinburgh businesswoman loaned the club £1,225,000 interest-free. The amount is detailed in Hearts’ accounts for the year to June 30, 2020. (Evening News)