Neil Lennon made permanent Celtic manager

Neil Lennon has been confirmed as Celtic’s permanent manager on a rolling 12-month contract, the Ladbrokes Premiership champions have announced.

Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell revealed the Northern Irishman had been offered the post full-time in the wake of Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup final victory over Hearts as the Hoops wrapped up the treble treble.

Lennon returned to the club he had previously served as captain and manager in February to pick up the reins after Brendan Rodgers quit to join Leicester, successfully guiding the club over the line as they wrapped up their eighth straight league title ahead of last weekend’s Hampden triumph.

Lennon will be assisted by John Kennedy – who he inherited from Rodgers’ back-room team – with Damien Duff continuing in his role as first-team coach having been promoted from his reserve team post on Lennon’s arrival.

Lennon said: “It is a massive honour to be named Celtic manager once again. I had always dreamed of returning to this role on a permanent basis and I am absolutely delighted to once again be part of one of the biggest and best clubs in the world – an institution which really does mean so much to me and one which has always been such a huge part of my life.

“When I was asked to take over in February, I felt it was my duty to do so. Celtic will always be my club and I wanted to help finish the job which had been started.”

Lennon added: “I was delighted with the way the players stuck to their task and delivered another historic success, which is unlikely to ever be repeated. I was also delighted to receive such great support from our fans since returning, something for which I will be forever grateful.

“In the space of just a few weeks, trophy day at Celtic Park and securing the Treble Treble at Hampden are two of my greatest days in football. The energy, total commitment and passion from our supporters, the effort, the talent and desire from our players. It’s these qualities which make our club great and deliver such historic occasions.

“I want to be part of delivering more of these great days and great achievements and I look forward to working with the players, the staff and the fans to make this happen.”