NEIL Lennon has started planning what he wants changed at Celtic for next season despite not knowing for sure whether he is to be offered the job on a full-time basis by the Parkhead board.
John Kennedy, the first-team coach, revealed the Northern Irishman has made recommendations about various aspects, including improvements which could be made to the squad.
Lennon, 47, has yet to lose a match since replacing Brendan Rodgers in late February. Celtic need just four points at most from the final five matches to clinch the title and face Hearts this Sunday in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
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But guiding the team over the line for a historic third Treble success in a row might not be enough for even this icon of the Celtic support to be named permanent manager for a second time.
Lennon admitted at the weekend no further talks had taken place regarding his own situation and that his focus was purely on the final games.
However, Kennedy admitted that the current coaching staff have held discussions about what is needed if Celtic are to make it nine titles in a row next season.
He said: “Neil has come in and he is looking at the squad. We have sat down and we have had meetings about next season, if everything goes to plan, and what it might be.
“There is a bit of work to be done, there’s no getting away from that. A bit of work in terms of planning, which the club will continue.
“Hopefully, when that happens, it’ll be pretty smooth and we’ll hit the ground running next season.
“Neil has been terrific since he’s come in. He’s in a position where you don’t know what the final outcome is going to be and it’s the same for myself.
“In football, you never know what can happen, so, ultimately, myself, Neil, Damien and Stevie Woods just have to go out and deliver in terms of results, leagues and, hopefully, the cup.
“But Neil has treated the job like he’s going to be in it and doing all of the work he can.
🎥 #CELLIV | On the Match 🎥
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 6, 2019
Neil Lennon ➡️ https://t.co/xTpCQumpW9
Ryan Christie & Kristoffer Ajer ➡️ https://t.co/ZcH8QacDqu pic.twitter.com/O1cbdqZilA
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“He’s involved in terms with, from his perspective, what the club might need, giving his opinion on things and the club has good support behind that who will continue to work and whatever it throws up in the summer, there will be enough options there that whoever is making the decisions will be able to do so.”
Kennedy believes that no matter what does happen, Celtic will be in good shape because of the age of the first-team squad coupled with the young players who have been given a run-out in recent times.
The former defender said: “Euan Henderson has come into the equation, Michael Johnston has been around it and we have young boys in the team.
“Kris Ajer is only 20, Kieran Tierney is still 21 and Odsonne Edouard is also 21.
“There are young players there and there also young ones in behind that as well, but you obviously have to bring in quality as well at the same time. “There are a number of players out of contract and there will be some movement here and there, I’m sure.”
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