“You need somebody at Celtic who can compete with that man in every sense.”
The league seasons are drawing to a close in Britain, but there is still enough time for some Garth Crooks nonsense. The BBC pundit has claimed that Celtic would be wrong to appoint Neil Lennon as their permanent manager and that the Scottish champions need a “winner” like Steven Gerrard.
Crooks said that the “kid” Gerrard is on course to restore Rangers to the top spot Scotland. And their great rivals will be left behind unless they appoint someone with similar characteristics as the former Liverpool captain.
Crooks made the comments on the day Lennon guided Celtic to their eighth league title in a row, and his fourth as the club’s manager. The former Hibernian coach was appointed until the end of the season after Brendan Rodgers left for Leicester City in February.
Celtic are currently 12-points clear of Rangers, who made 19 signings under Gerrard but will finish the season trophy-less. Lennon’s team have the chance to complete a domestic treble, a third treble in three seasons, later this month when they play Hearts in the Scottish Cup final.
However, according to Crooks, that are in danger of being surpassed by Gerrard and Rangers unless they move on from Lennon.
“Rangers are breathing down their necks,” he said.
“They need to make sure they have someone at the helm who can take them forward and keep Rangers where they want them to be. That’s not an easy task.
“Steven Gerrard is a winner. I’ve seen it with England, with Liverpool. That kid wants to be successful and he will be. You need somebody at Celtic who can compete with that man in every sense.
“I think the bigger the club, the bigger the personality at the top of the job. I think Neil’s had his time there and it’s time to move it on.”
Is it time for Celtic boss Neil Lennon to move on? pic.twitter.com/G6msvbiFrs
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 4, 2019
