[Josy]

NEIL LENNON has officially left his post as Celtic manager.

News broke of Lennon’s departure today after almost four years in charge of the reigning Scottish champions, following days of speculation about his future.

The 42-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to relegated English side Norwich City and top flight West Bromwich Albion, while his former Celtic team-mate Henrik Larsson emerged as the surprise bookie’s favourite to succeed him at Parkhead.

Now Record Sport understands that Lennon’s departure will be officially confirmed by the club today.

Parkhead sources are adamant that Lennon has not quit in a row over budgets or transfer targets.

A source said: "It's a sad day, but Neil has been talking to the club for some time about his situation, he feels he needs a fresh challenge and a break from the strains of this job. It happens with every manager, it was the same for Martin O'Neill and Gordon Strachan, eventually the time arrives when it is best for all concerned to move on."

A former Celtic captain, who won five top flight titles, four Scottish Cups, two League Cups and reached a UEFA Cup Final during his playing days at the club, his time as manager has been similarly eventful.

Lennon took the reins temporarily following Tony Mowbray’s dismissal towards the end of the 2009/10 campaign with an unbeaten run of league wins overshadowed by a 2-0 defeat to then-lower league Ross County in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

He was then given the role on a permanent basis that summer, with Alan Thompson and Garry Parker joining a coaching team that already included another former team-mate as his assistant, Johan Mjallby.

Of the original team of four, only Parker remained at the end of last season with Thompson fired from his role in June 2012 and Mjallby announcing that he was leaving to “seek some different opportunities” in April this year.

During his time at the helm, Lennon has led Celtic to three league championships in a row and into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

He has also won the Scottish Cup on two occasions although the domestic cup competitions have remained a stumbling block.

This season Celtic were knocked out of the League Cup at home by relegated Championship side Morton and out of the Scottish Cup by Aberdeen.

More to follow.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/f...-stand-3587279