Neil Lennon pleased over meeting with Vincent Lunny

Lennon was among a delegation of managers who met with Lunny at Hampden on Monday in the wake of growing discontent over the notices of complaint being issued to them this season for unacceptable conduct, both in word and deed, during and after matches.

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas and Kilmarnock boss Kenny Shiels, both of whom have been cited on multiple occasions by Lunny since the start of the campaign, also took part in the discussions.

According to Lennon, the talks were successful and he hopes it will lead to clarification of the current regulations and possibly even alterations which were suggested by the managers. “It was very good, a productive meeting,” said Lennon. “There were obviously a lot of things said that will have to remain in the context of the meeting, but it was very worthwhile to do it and we will take it on from there.

“We looked at a few things we can improve on, about the way we are being treated at times in the management fraternity, and the relationships between ourselves, Vincent and the refereeing fraternity.

“Vincent was great and we were not there to castigate him in any way, because he is just doing his job. We were just looking at areas where we can improve on things.

“John Fleming [head of refereeing development at the SFA] came in as well and he is aware of our take on it. It never got heated, it was cordial and everyone listed to each others’ point of view. We want to take it on from there, particularly through Alex Smith, head of the Managers’ Association.

“There was a lot more clarification, in terms of sanctions as well. We will maybe look at a different structure on that as well. Listen, it is not a closed shop there at all. Vincent has been out to see team managers and I spoke to him last year about having a catch-up. There are a lot of things you say post-match and we need clarification on that as well. There are steps now to make that an awful lot more clearer for us all.

“We are hoping that there will be changes made. But it has to suit everybody. I do not want to say too much on it, because a lot of things were aired out in the open that may prejudice some cases further down the line. If and when the time comes, I am sure Vincent and the Managers’ Association will let you all know. There is a particular rule that we felt was very vague and grey. If that gets tidied up, all the better. I would not say it is completely different, but we will put a proposal and they will look  at it and take it from there.”