Celtic boss Neil Lennon named August manager of the month

By Matthew Treadwell

Tuesday 3 September 2019 19:38, UK

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been named Scottish Premiership manager of the month for August.

Lennon has guided the Hoops to four wins from four matches - including Sunday's 2-0 Old Firm win against Rangers at Ibrox, despite the match taking place on September 1 - as the game was originally scheduled to take place the previous day.

Celtic showed their intent right from the off as they thrashed St Johnstone 7-0 on the opening weekend of the season, with Ryan Christie scoring a hat-trick.

That was followed a week later by a 5-2 win at Motherwell before they brushed aside Hearts 3-1 at Celtic Park, with the victory over rivals Rangers ensuring Lennon's side are the only one in the Scottish top division to boast a perfect league record this campaign.

"It was a team effort. The players have been magnificent. My backroom team should take a huge amount of credit. It's been a superb effort in a very demanding month," said Lennon.

"We've played well, scored goals, the performances and quality has been excellent. It's been a great start to the season but that's all it is, a very good start.

"It's not about me, it's never about me. It's all about the players and the supporters."

But Lennon feels his side are still underrated and were seen as second favourites to Rangers ahead of Sunday's Old Firm match.

"You are constantly criticised in this role, and you are always asked questions but no lone asks more questions than myself," added Lennon.

"You never get comfortable and you never take things for granted.

"There was a lack of coverage and there was still talk about what was going to happen on Sunday and that we were the underdogs. That was my main bone of contention.

"I thought our recent performances got totally overlooked by people who should know better."