Neil Lennon back in football and opens up on ‘responsibility’ in new role worth £1.5m and Celtic similarity

NEIL LENNON has landed a new job after 19 months out of the game.

The Celtic icon and former Hibs boss has recently been working as a pundit on TV and online, but has landed a lucrative return to the dugout.

He has been linked to vacancies at Aberdeen and a return to Easter Road - as well as interviewing for the vacant Republic of Ireland post.

But Lennon has now agreed to become new boss of Romanian side Rapid Bucharest.

It's a massive change for the Northern Irishman who broadened his horizons with a surprise move to Cyprus in 2021.

He led Omonia Nicosia to the Europa League group stages including commendable performances against Manchester United before being sacked in October 2022.

Now he's heading to Romania where Rapid share the stage with city rivals Steaua, CFR Cluj and rising side FCV Farul Constanta.

Sunsport carried the news earlier this month and exclusively revealed he had accepted the lucrative terms of his two-year and £1.5m contract.

Lennon led Celtic to five SPFL titles in two spells as manager, adding to another five as player and captain of the Hoops.

He also steered Hibs' return to the Premiership and had a two-year spell at Bolton Wanderers.

He's become a regular pundit and analyst on TV since returning from his stint in Cyprus.

He frequents online video at PLZ Soccer and is also a regular on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday programme.

Sky have also drafted him in for studio punditry in their live SPFL games, as have Premier Sports and Viaplay for Cup games.

But now he has a big "responsibility" in Romania.

He opened up on his new move and said: "In the beginning, I spoke with Mr. Șucu and Daniel Sandu, I had extensive discussions with them.

"Then we met again a few weeks ago and I was very impressed with the project they presented to me. I was very impressed by Mr. Șucu, he is a very strong, very intelligent man, a man with principles.

"It was impressive to me. Then, talking to Daniel as well, it was a simple decision for me. I am very happy to be here, I know that Rapid is a very important name in the history of Romanian football. It's an opportunity for me.

"I hope to create a strong connection between myself and the fans, but that comes with getting positive results and performing. It is my responsibility.

"I know they are very passionate supporters who love the club. They are similar to Celtic fans. I want us to perform, that's my main goal.

I hope to meet the supporters soon and I will do everything possible to perform with Rapid."

Rapid axed boss Cristiano Bergodi last month. He had replaced former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu at the Giulesti Stadium.

They finished second in Liga 1 before losing seven of their eight play-off matches. 

They were initially linked with a move for veteran Hoops favourite Martin O'Neill before turning attention to his Parkhead captain.

Chairman Dan Sucu added: "I am pleased that Mr. Neil Lennon, a legend in Great Britain, both as a player and as a coach, is joining our project. Considering his career, he is the most titled foreign specialist who came to train in Romania.

"He comes from a soccer culture based on seriousness, work, success. A culture where decisions, once made, are no longer commented on or negotiated, but simply implemented.

"A coach with exceptional results, experienced but still young, energetic, very authoritative, a true leader. And, on top of everything, a coach who can make balanced decisions without coming with a baggage of dislikes or subjective preferences regarding the team."

Rapid last won their national league 23 years ago but fell on hard times and went bankrupt in 2016 and had to reform in the fifth tier of football, before battling back and returning to the top flight three years ago.

Rapid sports director Daniel Sandu said: "Moving forward, we have to figure out exactly what we're looking for and what we want from both the players and the new staff.

"At the moment we are not in a very good place, but I have faith the new management team will reset us and show what Rapid is all about."

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