Celtic's principal shareholder Dermot Desmond has paid tribute to outgoing "legend" Neil Lennon.
The Treble winning Irish manager's departure from the club was confirmed on Wednesday morning after the weekend loss to Ross County proved the final straw for his reign.
The Hoops now sit 18 points behind rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership in a season when they were aiming to secure an historic 10 In A Row.
But billionaire Desmond admits the 50-year-old will be "very difficult" to replace after a silverware-laden second spell at the club where he lifted five trophies.
He said: “Neil is a Celtic legend both as a player and manager. He has given so much to the Club, and with his success over the last number of years – including winning a Treble in his own right – he will be very difficult to replace.
“We thank Neil sincerely for all he has done for the club and we wish him every success going forward.”
Outgoing chief executive Peter Lawwell was also full of praise for a man he worked closely with as both a player and a manager.
He said: “I would like to pay tribute to Neil for all he has done for the club in his second spell, delivering our eighth and ninth successive league titles, the quadruple Treble and winning the last five available domestic trophies.
“Neil has always been and will always be a true Celtic man and someone I will always hold in the highest regard.
“I have watched Neil fight many battles over many years, on and off the field, with a courage and tenacity few could match. Even this season, he has fought so hard and worked tirelessly to turn things around.
“While this season has not progressed as we would have liked, it cannot diminish the character or integrity of a man who has given the Club so much.
“Personally, it is a sad day for me to see Neil leave the club. Neil is a man of quality and decency, he is someone who will always be part of the fabric of Celtic and someone who will always be welcomed at Celtic Park.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, and personally, I would like to thank Neil for his work as our manager and I wish him and his family good health and continued success in everything they do.”
