Lennon praises players' hard work as Hibs clinch Championship title
Neil Lennon hailed his Hibernian team and the club's hierarchy after they clinched the Championship title and promotion back to the Premiership.
Last updated 15th Apr 2017
Neil Lennon hailed his Hibernian team and the club's hierarchy after they clinched the Championship title and promotion back to the Premiership.
Three years after suffering relegation in an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Hamilton, a 3-0 victory over Queen of the South - coupled with Falkirk's failure to win - sparked celebrations at Easter Road.
Lennon has succeeded where predecessor Alan Stubbs failed in the last two seasons and the former Celtic boss was thrilled after the full-time whistle and news of Falkirk's draw with St Mirren filtered through.
He said: It feels brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
I'm really proud of the players and the club because you could feel the burden of being in the league for the third season.
There was a weight but now it is lifted.
We have worked really hard and I want to pay tribute to the likes of (head of football operations) George Craig and (chief executive) Leeann Dempster and the chairman (Rod Petrie).
They have made my job a lot easier. They can be happy as much as I am.
I am very proud of this accomplishment, personally. It means a lot to me and I'm really proud of the way the players have handled themselves over the season.''
A double from Darren McGregor and a third from skipper David Gray sealed the win Hibs needed and Lennon hopes the supporters enjoy returning to the top-flight.
He added: It is a Premiership team. That is why I came. The potential was there and I hope the fans stay with us next year.
It is good for the supporters, to get a taste of Premiership football again. This club deserves it.''