BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
NEIL LENNON admits he was fighting back the tears as Hibs lifted the Championship trophy, insisting it was as sweet as any of his title triumphs with Celtic.
The capital club played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with St Mirren yesterday and, while the result was pivotal for the Buddies, the afternoon was all about the post-match party for the Hibees.
Hibs were presented with the Championship trophy amid fireworks, giant lettering spelling ‘Thank You’ to the fans and a rousing rendition of Sunshine on Leith.
Even as a veteran of three SPL title wins with the Hoops, it was an emotional afternoon for Lennon, who acknowledges that he cherishes his managerial successes more with age.
He said: “I didn’t know how I was going to feel after what I had done at Celtic.
“But it felt every bit as good. I have a real personal amount of pride in the club, in the people I work for and work with. It meant a hell of a lot.
“I was trying not to get emotional out there but I think the older you get the more it means to you.
“When you play, you take it for granted at a big club like Celtic and, as a manager at Celtic, your expectation is to win the league.
“We went into the Championship as favourites but we certainly merited the champions tag. We’ve won the league handsomely. I’m just immensely proud of everyone at the club.
“It has really grown on me! It has got under my skin. I didn’t think it would, but it has. It’s a great feeling.”
