Neil Lennon left in limbo as Celtic seek new manager

NEIL Lennon's future in management remains undecided this morning after Celtic insisted they would not be rushed into appointing a full-time successor to Tony Mowbray.

• Celtic's SPL win at Hearts yesterday was Neil Lennon's last in charge as caretaker manager

Lennon's stint as caretaker ended yesterday in a 2-1 win at Tynecastle, taking his record to eight wins from eight games in the SPL, along with a Scottish Cup defeat by Ross County. Last night a statement on the Celtic website from club chairman John Reid explained that the process of selecting a manager would only begin now that the season has ended.

"On behalf of the Celtic board and supporters I want to extend my thanks to Neil Lennon and his team for taking on the daunting challenge of completing the SPL season and for the way in which this was done," Reid said.

"The board will now turn to the formal process of considering the appointment of a new manager. We intentionally delayed starting that process until today out of fairness and courtesy to Neil. This is a big and important decision, and will require a thorough consideration. But I am well aware that our fans would like us to complete the process as speedily as possible."

No details were given about any other aspect of the appointment such as how many people had applied or would be interviewed. Lennon, who replaced Mowbray in March, can now apparently do no more than wait patiently to find out if he will get the chance to have his dream job on a permanent basis.

He is likely to be disappointed that eight SPL wins in a row have not been enough to prevent the club widening their search for Mowbray's successor.

"When I took on the job as caretaker manager the chairman assured me that there would be no consideration of anyone for that position until I had completed the job I had been given and showed what I could do," the former Celtic midfielder was quoted as saying in the club statement. "I am grateful to the board that I was able to carry out my role with the benefit of that assurance."

While Celtic notched their win in Gorgie, Rangers were handed the league trophy at Ibrox at the end of a 3-3 draw with Motherwell. The Fir Park side scored two late goals but now need Dundee United to beat Ross County in the Scottish Cup final if they are to qualify for Europe after Hibs beat United 2-0 at Tannadice to secure fourth spot and a place in the Europa League.

Falkirk, meanwhile, were relegated on Saturday following a 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.