Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been appointed the new manager of Rapid Bucharest in a surprise recent development.
Winning ten trophies at Parkhead, the 52-year-old is the third-most successful coach in the Hoops’ illustrious history despite his bitter departure in 2021.
However, new beginnings await Lennon, who is back in the dugout following a brief spell at Omonia Nicosia in 2022, where he claimed the Cypriot Cup before being dismissed later in the year.
Lending his hand as a regular in the punditry circuit, his insight and wisdom surrounding Celtic has always been well received, though he will now move away from that side of the game to focus on his new venture.
Intriguingly, the Lurgan-born man has dropped some insight on recruitment during his time in Glasgow’s east end as he settles in at his new employers.
Neil Lennon references Celtic in Rapid Bucharest interview
Speaking to the official Rapid Bucharest club sources in his first official interview, Lennon made an intriguing observation regarding his former signings Virgil Van Dijk and Jeremie Frimpong.
Despite their relatively unheralded status before arriving at Celtic, both have gone on to great things, and the ex-Hoops boss has vowed to allow young talent to thrive in his new role should they pass the eye test under his stewardship.
Lennon stated when asked about Van Dijk and potentially offering youngsters opportunities: “There has to be a balance, you have to look at the talent. Virgil was an easy decision once I saw him; I always like to watch players live when I can. I have another one at Leverkusen, (Jeremie) Frimpong; we had him at Celtic.
“We got him from Manchester City at a very young age, and we developed him. Again, that is something we would like to do here at Rapid: identify the talent, bring them in maybe through the academy, then bring them through to the first team and develop them. Young players are very important to me.”
Celtic fans will know first-hand that Lennon isn’t averse to following this practice when appropriate, and it is set to be an intriguing few months for him as he navigates a new culture and footballing environment.
Hopefully, he can enjoy a successful time at Rapid-Giulesti Stadium. Lennon certainly has the skillset to be an asset to the three-time Romanian top-flight winners during his tenure.
His association in an official capacity at the Bhoys may be over; however, Lennon is still highly regarded by many Celtic supporters, who will wish him well on his journey.