Former Hibs boss Neil Lennon quits as Celtic manager
Assistant John Kennedy is expected to take charge for the rest of the season
Neil Lennon has resigned as Celtic manager days after a defeat to Ross County that left Rangers within touching distance of the Scottish Premiership title.
The 1-0 loss in Dingwall left Celtic 18 points adrift with eight games remaining and heightened the prospect of the Ibrox side clinching the Scottish Premiership title at Parkhead on March 21.
Assistant manager John Kennedy is expected to replace the former Hibs manager in a caretaker role for the rest of the season.
Celtic made an announcement to the London Stock Exchange at 7am followed immediately by a statement on Twitter saying: "Celtic Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has resigned from his position as Football Manager with immediate effect.
"We thank Neil sincerely for all he has done for the club and we wish him every success going forward."
It went on to pay tribute saying he had served with distinction as both a player and manager.
Some of Lennon's closest former Celtic team-mates had argued in recent weeks that it was time for him to depart and reports claim his exit will be announced imminently.
One of those former colleagues, Chris Sutton, wrote on Twitter: "Neil Lennon had to go. I know this season has been a disaster but i hope after the anger settles down about this season that people respect that Neil has been a great servant to Celtic both as a player and manager.''
Lennon has presided over a campaign which promised so much as Celtic chased a record 10th consecutive title, but which veered from bad to worse after Celtic suffered a home defeat by Ferencvaros in the Champions League qualifiers.
A bottom-placed finish in the Europa League group stages followed and Celtic's title defence never recovered from a home defeat by Rangers after a series of Covid-19 blows during the October international break.
Lennon survived a run of two wins in 12 matches, including a Betfred Cup defeat by County, and some angry protests from fans.
The Celtic board twice gave him their public backing but promised a review in the new year, before a run of six wins including a shoot-out triumph against Hearts in last season's delayed Scottish Cup final.