---
title: "Celtic: Alex Neil tipped to become Neil Lennon’s successor"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-alex-neil-tipped-to-become-neil-lennons-successor/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Nathan Linley"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-02-15T12:45:24Z"
modified: "2021-02-15T12:45:24Z"
---

# Celtic: Alex Neil tipped to become Neil Lennon’s successor

**Preston North End manager Alex Neil has been named as a possible successor to Celtic boss Neil Lennon.**

### Neil to replace Lennon?

Those were the words of former Premier League centre-back Steve Howey, who reacted to the immense pressure currently on the Northern Irish tactician’s shoulders.

The Green Brigade have been [vocal](https://readceltic.com/2020/12/01/celtic-fans-slam-club-as-they-once-again-stick-by-neil-lennon/?cmpredirect) on their displeasure towards Lennon, with his team [18](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/scottish-premiership/table) points behind arch-rivals Rangers after their [2-1](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55967784) victory over St Johnstone on Sunday.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”338175″\]

Not only that, but their trip to Dubai in December was [heavily scrutinised](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55621350) not just by the fans, but by [Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/nicola-sturgeon-casts-doubt-celtic-23297787) with the country still in lockdown due to the pandemic.

Speaking to [FootballFanCast](https://www.footballfancast.com/celtic-transfer-rumours/exclusive-interview-steve-howey-alex-neil-celtic-manager-neil-lennon-replacement-e35), Howey stated that Neil would be a solid fit for the Glaswegians with Lennon’s position on the line.

“I think he would like that job,” he said. “Given the fact he’s Scottish, I think he would take it \[the Celtic job\].”

### Transfer Tavern Verdict

Neil was previously described as an “excellent” manager by former Hamilton boss Martin Canning (via [Not The Old Firm](https://www.nottheoldfirm.com/exclusive/exclusive-martin-canning-hamilton-alex-neil-future/)), but supporters may want someone more ambitious.

From 182 matches in charge of Preston, the Scot has averaged a points-per-game tally of 1.43, which is marginally worse than what the 39-year-old managed at Norwich before the Canaries dismissed him ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/alex-neil/profil/trainer/24018)).

Having previously had the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Martin O’Neill in the hot seat, we think that this appointment would upset the Green Brigade.

*In other news, **[Football finance expert believes that Celtic fans will not carry out empty threats amid revenue reveal.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-kieran-maguire-believes-fans-are-too-loyal-to-stay-away-from-parkhead/)***