Exclusive Interview: Joe Donnelly

"Of all the titles I've won, this one is the sweetest one because it's the next one"

A CUP of tea and family time were among Neil Lennon’s first requests following Celtic’s league-clinching victory at Pittodrie on Saturday.

Much has been said about the Irishman’s calm demeanour since returning as interim boss earlier this year, which, by his own admission, has seen him more relaxed in the dugout, less agitated and more serene, despite the magnitude of the job.

Not that he’s any less passionate about the club he loves, as his celebrations following Saturday’s emphatic 3-0 win over Aberdeen clearly showed.

Having now secured an eighth consecutive league title, and having won the first three of the current eight-in-a-row run, the embrace shared by the manager and club captain Scott Brown at full-time on Saturday – as featured on this week’s front cover – was both pleasingly familiar, and a fitting conclusion to what has been an at times turbulent campaign.

“This is another great moment in my life, and I’m so proud to represent this club and to be in charge of these players,” said Neil Lennon in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View. “Saturday was a great day for the club, it was a great day for the players and it was a great day for the supporters. I’m just delighted for everyone involved with the club, the board, everyone.

“It’s been difficult. With Brendan leaving, there was a little bit of agitation and confusion around the place, but I’ve got to pay tribute to the job Brendan did here, and the squad that he left behind here. I’ve come in, got the job done, and I couldn’t be happier.