Friday 1 March 2019 14:39, UK
Neil Lennon says it is time for Celtic to move on from Brendan Rodgers, but praised the former manager for leaving an "unbelievable legacy" at the club.
Supporters have vented their anger following the departure of Rodgers midway through the season, in order to take up the vacant post at Leicester City.
Some fans unveiled a huge banner at Celtic's away game at Hearts on Wednesday, which read: 'You traded immortality for mediocrity. Never a Celt, always a fraud.'
But Lennon believes the fans will learn to forgive Rodgers when they have time to reflect on his contribution at Celtic Park.
"It's an emotional time, and we owe a great debt of gratitude to what Brendan achieved here." Lennon said.
"He's left an unbelievable legacy, he's one of the greatest managers the club has ever had.
"But we move on now and I understand the frustrations, at times things can be said in the heat of the moment that you regret, but in time they [the supporters] will look back on Brendan's record as remarkable really."
Lennon also defended Rodgers for not saying goodbye to the players, after his sudden return to the Premier League.
"He might not have had the chance," Lennon said. "These things happen very, very quickly.
"I've done it myself at times, and I'm sure when things settle down for him he'll be back in touch because I know he had a fantastic relationship with the players here.
"He's been a mentor to them, he's been a voice for them and for some of the younger players, a father figure."
Lennon returns to Easter Road for a Scottish Cup quarter-final, just a month after his sudden departure from Hibernian.
He got off to the perfect start on his return to Celtic with a dramatic injury-time win at Tynecastle, and now faces a Hibernian side who have been rejuvenated under Paul Heckingbottom.
"It will be a bit surreal, going back there so early, but I'm ready for it," said Lennon. "I don't know if I deserve it but I hope I get a good reception.
"When I took on the job, Hibs were in the Championship and a lot of people raised their eyebrows that I would do that but I saw a lot of potential, and we sort of fulfilled that.
"Things went a little bit dry for us for four of five weeks, but Paul came in and has won three out of three, you can't do anymore.
"Their players are playing well and with confidence, it will be a tough game."
