Celtic boss ‘fraught’ over death threats

Bullets and parcel bombs were sent to the Lurgan man in the latest in a series of personal attacks.

The 41-year-old was previously targeted when he was a player, leaving Northern Ireland in 2002 after a warning from sectarian gangs.

He told UTV the attacks in 2011 were “fraught times” which made him question his future as a manager.

“There were very fraught times - particularly the season before last - when you’re thinking ‘Is it really worth doing it?’

“I had a lot of police intelligence who kept me informed of what was going on [...] but the one thing that kept me going was the players.

“Coming in and seeing them work every day, trying to improve, that whole environment that I worked in. I brought them here from all over the world and I felt as if I owed them that.

He added: “Thankfully things have turned a corner in all aspects of that. It’s just amazing.”

Lennon also denied he is “confrontational... bullish and not afraid to speak his mind”, describing himself instead as a “strong character”.

He explained: “If I feel that there’s an injustice or something to say about certain football aspects I will say it, but I’m not confrontational.

“If you ever see a newspaper there’s always a picture of me pointing the finger at one of my players, shouting at him as if I’m doing it for 94 minutes. But I do have time where I think about things in great depth.

Looking to the future with the hoops, Lennon said while some players will be leaving the club - including Republic of Ireland striker Anthony Stokes - he is also hoping to bring new players in.

Portuguese forward Amido Baldé could be on the move from current club Vitória SC with Lennon expected to lay down a £2.5m bid for the player.

But for now, Lennon is reflecting on last season’s victories in the Scottish championship and Scottish Cup.

He added: “The way we finished off the season, it was a perfect day for us all and on reflection there was a great way for the three years to end.”