Lennon leaves Celtic after four successful years

Celtic FC manager Neil Lennon has confirmed he is to leave the Scottish champions after four years in charge.

Lennon took control at Celtic Park in March 2010 when he succeeded Tony Mowbray and led the club to three league titles and two Scottish Cups. The 42-year-old former Northern Ireland midfielder also guided the Hoops to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League in 2012/13, the highlight of the campaign being a famous 2-1 group stage win against FC Barcelona.

"I have parted company with Celtic," said Lennon ahead of scheduled talks with chief executive Peter Lawwell. "The club are in a very strong position and I wish the fans and the club all the very best for the future. I can't thank Peter Lawwell and the board enough for their backing and support during my time as manager.

"I have supported Celtic all my life and the club will always be part of me. It was an absolute honour to play for this great club, to captain the team and of course to become Celtic manager, a position which I cherished dearly. However, I feel the time is now right to move on to a new challenge."

Lennon originally signed as a player for the east Glasgow team in 2000 during Martin O'Neill's reign as Parkhead boss. He landed five championships in seven seasons and helped the Bhoys reach the 2003 UEFA Cup final, where they were beaten 3-2 after extra time by José Mourinho's FC Porto.

He departed in 2007 to join Nottingham Forest FC but was tempted back a year later when Gordon Strachan offered him a role on the coaching staff. He became only the fourth Celtic manager to steer the side to three straight titles – joining Willie Maley, Jock Stein and Strachan in an exclusive club – as he made the most of Rangers FC's demotion to the bottom tier of the Scottish game.