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Football

26th Jan 2019

Neil Lennon suspended by Hibernian and unlikely to manage team again

Kyle Picknell

Neil Lennon will not be in the dugout for Hibernian’s game against St. Mirren on Sunday

Hibernian have suspended manager Neil Lennon according to reports by BBC Sport. It appears unlikely that the Northern Irishman will take charge of another game at the club.

The news comes after an incident that took place on Friday night between Lennon and several employees of the club.

According to the Scottish Sun, Lennon has been suspended by chief executive Leanne Dempster after ripping into the club’s first team players at their East Mains training ground. An exchange with Dempster followed, which has now led to Lennon’s sudden departure.

It is understood that Dempster has told Lennon to step aside pending the results of a club probe.

Hibernian are on a run of five league games without a win, with Lennon demanding more from his players after Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Motherwell. Ahead of Sunday’s fixture against St. Mirren, the former Celtic and Bolton manager told his players in no uncertain terms that he expected to see an improvement.

Garry Parker, Lennon’s assistant, would typically take charge of the club on a temporary basis in his place although there are now reports that the coaching staff at Hibs, including Parker, are unhappy with the decision taken by Dempster.

Lennon won promotion with Hibernian in 2017 and despite an initially positive start to the season and a 2-0 win against his former club and reigning champions Celtic at Easter Road, their form has dipped.

2018 ended with a narrow derby loss to Hearts and their only win since the Celtic victory in mid-December has come against Elgin City, a League Two side they met in the Scottish FA Cup.

Hibs finished fourth in the league last season but are currently sat in eighth place this year.