By guest writer Robbie Hurley:
As the January transfer window closes, Neil Lennon will be taking his curtain call as he leaves Easter Road.
Alhough there are enough commentators who have speculated, it could be some time before we know the full details behind Neil Lennon’s departure.
So rather than wonder why or how his exit will happen, why not look at how he will be remembered by the club and the fans?
Lennon joined the team not long after Hibs’ greatest day in living memory, winning the Scottish Cup, replacing the man who’s legacy is in no doubt, Alan Stubbs.
He brought with him his reputation and media credibility and credence that had been lacking at Hibs in recent years, he brought some of the showbiz back.
The Irishman also inherited a team filled with talent but that had been criticised for a lack of bottle, the term ‘Hibsing it’ associated with the ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Something that had been vanquished to a large extent with the victory against Rangers in the Scottish Cup final, was still in the ether.
So when Lennon came in he brought steel, determination and an unquestionable passion. A man who throughout his playing days and into his managerial years was known first and foremost by his tenacity and for taking no prisoners.
In his first year, with no Rangers or Hearts in the league and with a team of players that had been together for a number of years, he managed what his predecessor had not and guided Hibs back to the Premier League.
Then, with the backing of the board he improved the team, and Hibs began their first season back in the top flight with reckless abandon, taking teams to the sword and steam rolling their way into the top half of the table.
His character was tested with another Irishman, equally as talented for his skills as his off field antics, Anthony Stokes, the gifted striker who was instrumental in the Scottish Cup win was under-performing and making headlines for the wrong reasons.
He’d made his position clear and given Stokes chances to redeem himself. When he crossed the line one too many times, Lennon, in typically strong headed fashion, showed him the door. He also let top scorer Simon Murray go and replaced them with two unknown quantities in Flo Kamberi and Jamie McLaren.
Lennon seemed to have worked a piece of magic, appearing to use his strong will and intuition to guide him through. Hibs continued to improve and had one of the most exciting and successful seasons in the top flight for a decade.
Then came three killer blows in McGinn, McGeouch and Allan. The midfielders, composing the spine of team many were saying had been the best midfield in the league, were all out the door by the end of summer.
This was the beginning of the end for Lennon. He struggled to replace them, as any manager would have with Hibs resources, and while the season began well it soon took a downward turn.
Lennon took the poor performances out on the players. It had worked before, but as he continued to do so without getting an improvement, it seemed he was flogging a dead horse.
Seemingly it was this attitude to under-performing players that led to what will ultimately be his departure, though it may not officially be known for many years.
It will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Hibs fans if his exit is dragged out and played out in the media. Given recent results and the trust the faithful have in CEO Leann Dempster, most fans will accept that it was probably for the best.
The memory of Lennon’s time at Easter Road and his legacy, will of course be decided in due time, but it is likely he will be known for his Championship winning season with promotion seeing Hibs back into the big time, the unbeaten run against Hearts and for his aeroplane celebration against Rangers. Whatever comes of his final days at Easter Road, it is unlikely he’ll have to buy another pint in Leith.
Another great piece from Robbie!
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