Celtic manager Neil Lennon says he is hopeful of winning a new contract to remain at the helm of the Glasgow club. Despite failing in their attempt to win the Scottish Premier League title to Rangers, Lennon feels he should be given a fresh deal on merit and not out of sympathy after all the things that have happened to him this season.
The 39-year old took the reins at Celtic Park in March 2010 when Tony Mowbray was sacked, initially as caretaker, before being installed as full-time manager in June last year.
He signed a one-year deal to begin with but after a solid season, where they finished a point short of Rangers, Lennon is looking to the future at Parkhead.
"I think I was being presumptuous (out on the pitch)," said Lennon after he commented to Hoops fans that "This isn't the end, this is the beginning."
"But that's what I want to do.
"I brought a lot of players here and they have been magnificent for me all season.
"I think we have a nucleus of a very good squad. But I am saying all this and I might not be here.
"I had a good chat with Mr Dermot Desmond (majority shareholder) and the chairman (John Reid) and Peter (Lawwell, chief executive) just after the game and I am hopeful that I will be here next season.
"But they might not want me. The remit is to win the championship and we haven't done that so that might be a stroke against me.
"I can't really comment on what the board are thinking because I haven't spoken to them and I probably won't until after the Scottish Cup final next week.
"But I don't want it (contract) through sympathy or anything like that.
"If they were to give me a contract then I want it because they think I am the right person to take the club forward and bring success to the club."
