Things appeared to be going well for Neil Lennon in Cyprus - but the former Celtic boss is on the lookout for his next job after just eight months at Omonia Nicosia.
The Cypriot side were rubbing shoulders with the big boys in the Europa League and pushed Manchester United all the way, but that wasn't enough to impress the hierarchy at the club after some disappointing domestic results. The Cypriot Cup victory last term has quickly been forgotten by Omonia Nicosia, with Lennon bringing the silverware to the club for the first time in a decade.
However, it's not the first time the boss has resigned or seen the axe fall during two spells at Celtic Park, as well as his time at Hibs and south of the border with Bolton Wanderers. The 51-year-old has shown he can bounce back from disappointment, but has received a mixed reception following his various departures from the clubs involved.
It was a shock end to his spell in Europe. Record Sport now takes a look back at the mixed reception to Lennon's tenures as a manager.
Celtic (2014)
During his first spell as Celtic boss Lennon's team has reigned supreme on the domestic front with three league wins in a row. There was success in Europe too as his side stormed to the knock-out stages of the Champions League with a win over Barcelona.
The boss called time on his spell at Celtic as he looked for a fresh challenge. That sparked gushing praise from then chief Executive Peter Lawwell.
He said at the time: “I would like to thank Neil for everything he has done for Celtic. When we appointed Neil as manager we did so knowing exactly what the club meant to him and knowing that he would give all he had to the job.
"He has delivered great success to our supporters domestically and has brought us back to the table in European football. He will always be part of the club and we wish Neil and his family nothing but success in the future.
“We now embark on a new and exciting chapter for the club. We are sure our fans will give us their usual fantastic support as we aim to bring them more and more success and continue to make Celtic a club they can be proud of.”
Bolton Wanderers
He had to wait for his next job after leaving Glasgow's east end, but six months later was back with English Championship strugglers Bolton. In the midst of financial troubles and with the club stuck in League One, a blunt statement was issued relieving Lennon of his duties.
It read: "Bolton Wanderers announce that Neil Lennon has left the club by mutual consent. Bolton Wanderers can announce that the club have today, Tuesday 15 March, parted company with manager Neil Lennon by mutual consent. All at Bolton Wanderers would like to thank Neil for his contributions during his time at the club."
Hibs
It was then back to Scotland, where Lennon enjoyed success with Hibs. He led the club back to the Scottish Premiership, where they finished fourth and earned a Europa League spot on their return to the top flight.
Things appeared to turn sour in the end, when Lennon was suspended by the club in January 2019. A bizarre statement later claimed he had not resigned, nor been sacked by the club.
It read: “The management team of Neil Lennon and Garry Parker has left the club by mutual consent. They have not been dismissed and have not resigned.
“The suspension, put in place to allow an internal review, was lifted by the club as part of this agreement. Despite widespread speculation, the club confirms that neither Neil nor Garry has been guilty of any misconduct or wrongdoing and no disciplinary process has been commenced. However, Neil, Garry and the club now consider that it would be in the best interests of all parties to part amicably.”
Celtic (2021)
Lennon resigned as Celtic manager with the club 18 points behind the champions-elect Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. The disastrous bid for 10-In-A-Row ramped up the pressure with defeat to Ross County proving to be the final straw.
Following his exit, Lawwell said: "I would like to pay tribute to Neil for all he has done for the club in his second spell, delivering our eighth and ninth successive league titles, the Quadruple Treble and winning the last five available domestic trophies.
"Neil has always been and will always be a true Celtic man and someone I will always hold in the highest regard. I have watched Neil fight many battles over many years, on and off the field, with a courage and tenacity few could match. Even this season, he has fought so hard and worked tirelessly to turn things around.
"While this season has not progressed as we would have liked, it cannot diminish the character or integrity of a man who has given the club so much. Personally, it is a sad day for me to see Neil leave the club.
"Neil is a man of quality and decency, he is someone who will always be part of the fabric of Celtic and someone who will always be welcomed at Celtic Park. On behalf of everyone at the club, and personally, I would like to thank Neil for his work as our manager and I wish him and his family good health and continued success in everything they do."
Omonia Nicosia
After kick-starting his career in Cyprus, Lennon was surprisingly axed after defeat to Nea Salamis. Despite impressive displays on the European stages, the club owners made the call with the club sitting in seventh in the Cypriot First Division.
However, they offered the Northern Irishman credit following his departure. The statement read: "We inform you that we have agreed with Mr. Neil Lennon to stop our association.
"Mr. Lennon took over the technical leadership of our team last March, at a difficult time and managed to lead us to winning the cup and then to the historic qualification against KAA Gent and our entry into the UEFA Europa League groups, where we came close to historic results against Real Sociedad and Manchester United.
"Unfortunately, the ongoing competitive instability and the significant losses of points in the championship are the main reasons that made us decide to end our partnership. Mr. Lennon has written his name in the history of Omonia and deserves the respect and recognition of all of us. Our paths separate, but the memories of our collaboration will unite us forever. We sincerely thank Mr. Lennon for his contribution and wish him every success in his future career."
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