JAMES FORREST says there isn’t any question that Neil Lennon is now among Celtic’s all-time managerial greats after guiding the club to their ninth Premiership title in succession.
Lennon kicked off the current run of triumphs back in 2012, picking up the next two championship trophies before stepping down as boss.
After taking the reins once more following the departure of Brendan Rodgers last year, he navigated the remainder of the campaign before his fifth title as Celtic manager was confirmed with the calling of this season earlier this week.
That trophy haul put him ahead of Billy McNeill, and behind only Willie Maley and Jock Stein in the club’s all-time list of title-winning managers, cementing his place in Celtic folklore in the eyes of Forrest.
“I don’t think anyone would question that,” Forrest said.
“Celtic was his first-ever job when he went from reserve team to first team and he did incredible.
“He went away for a bit and then came back and just picked up where he left off winning trophies.
“I don’t think anyone would question [he is one of the greats] if it’s said.
“When I came through the youth, he was my reserve manager for a bit and everyone knew how successful he was as a player here.
“The manager and Broony have been incredible for the club. With Rodgers leaving when he did, the only right man for the job was Lennon coming back and it has just worked out really well.
“There must have been a massive amount of pressure for him when he came back then. We had the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup coming up against Hibs and the league was still quite tight as well.
“For the end of that season, it could not have gone better and as the months have gone on, he’s put more and more of his stamp on it and we’ve just had a really good full season.”
Forrest was one of the stalwarts of the season for Celtic once more, with his own personal tally of major medals at the club now standing at 19.
Like his manager though, the winger isn’t about to rest on his laurels, particularly with a chance to win an unprecedented tenth title in a row next season.
“Obviously, I’m delighted for him because, if it’s going well for him, it’s going well for us players,” he said.
“He’ll just want us all back and adding to what we’ve won already.”
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