Neil Lennon insists he is happy preparing for another season of UEFA Champions League football with Celtic, but he has hardly ruled himself out of the Everton job.
The Toffees are looking for a new boss after David Moyes agreed to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, after the 71-year-old announced he would be leaving the Old Trafford dugout this summer after 26 years in charge. A number of names have already been linked with the Goodison Park role, including Parkhead coach Lennon.
The 41-year-old has been in charge of the Bhoys since March 2010, which was initially on a caretaker basis following the departure of Tony Mowbray. He has gone on to win two SPL titles, one Scottish Cup, and this season he led his side to a memorable win over Barcelona on their way to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Lennon, a former Northern Ireland international who had spells in England with Manchester City, Crewe Alexandra, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Wycombe Wanderers, currently works on a rolling contract. And whilst he is happy with his position at the Glasgow giants, he has failed to rule himself out of the running for the Everton job.
“Everton are a huge club with a huge history,” said Lennon. “It’s flattering to be linked but that’s all it is, a link. All of it is speculation. I have a job here, I have a great job, a great set of players, a great support, so I am pretty happy here. I have a rolling contract. We’re already looking at Champions League preparation and bringing in new players. It’s not up to me if I’m ready for England, it’s for other people to decide.”
Lennon is the third favourite in the betting stakes to replace Moyes. Above him is Malky Mackay, who has just led Cardiff City to the Championship title, and the current pacesetter Roberto Martinez, who will on Saturday see his Wigan Athletic side battle Manchester City for the FA Cup. Another reported target is Michael Laudrup, but the Dane’s agent revealed on Friday that the 48-year-old is staying at Swansea City.
