Neil Lennon Highlights Challenges for Managers in Glasgow
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has expressed concerns that the abuse directed at managers of Celtic and Rangers will undoubtedly deter coaches from taking positions with either club.
Lennon, who currently manages Dunfermline Athletic in the Championship, noted that the level of scrutiny and vitriol faced by managers has significantly intensified in recent years.
Rangers are in the process of searching for a new head coach to replace Russell Martin, who faced considerable pressure and protests from fans prior to his dismissal earlier this month.
Speaking on BBC Scotland's Saturday Show, Lennon stated, "I think it has got worse in Glasgow. The scrutiny of the individual and the analysis—Brendan [Rodgers at Celtic] at the moment, and whoever will take over at Rangers—it's really claustrophobic."
Reflecting on Martin's experience of being escorted off the pitch after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk, Lennon remarked, "I think it's really sad." Martin was let go after managing just 17 games. Notably, Steven Gerrard declined the opportunity to return to Ibrox, and Danny Rohl has also withdrawn from consideration.
Lennon suggested that potential new head coaches for either of the Old Firm clubs might reconsider taking on the role. "[Incoming managers will be] saying 'I don’t need that,' yeah, no question. Absolutely. Without a doubt," he said. "Across Europe, you see fans demonstrating outside training grounds; it didn’t used to be like that in Scotland. It’s become really prevalent over the last three or four years."
He further commented, "The scrutiny, the vitriol at times—you just have to look at what happened to Russell Martin. It was really poor. He didn’t get the results the job demanded, but the way he was treated by some aspects of the media and social media was awful."
Lennon's remarks followed Rodgers' suggestion that the pressure faced by managers in the Premier League differs significantly from that experienced by those in the Old Firm. "People are angry; the world is angry, but it’s not nice to see. They are human beings at the end of the day," he added.
"If they aren’t good enough, fine, but there’s no need for the personal attacks and constant personal abuse. We all get the banter, but there is other stuff that is really poisonous, and that needs to be eradicated. I don’t know how we can get rid of it, but it’s not a good look for Glasgow or for Glasgow football."