PAT STANTON believes Neil Lennon’s astonishing suggestion that he could quit Hibernian this summer will come as a shuddering wake-up call to his players following a meek surrender against Hearts.
However, the Easter Road icon is praying that, in the cold light of day, Lennon sees his future in Leith.
While taken aback by the threat, Stanton understands the manager’s frustration and also reckons he was aiming to spark a reaction.
Read more: Neil Lennon will quit Hibernian unless his demands are met
“One thing that is for sure, Neil Lennon is not a silly man,” said Stanton. “He is a very sharp individual. He is perhaps saying it for affect, to give a wake-up call to a few of the players.
“Neil is passionate, he’s a winner and was visibly disappointed, probably with the manner of the defeat than anything else.
“The Hearts played at a real tempo, were in among the tackles and, if the referee isn’t going to clamp down on tough challenges, then you’ve got to do it yourself.
“Regardless of where the clubs are in the league, if you go to Tynecastle you know it will be a battle.
Read more: Steven Thompson: Neil Lennon’s remarks over the top, Hibs are only just up
“That was always my experience. You had to fight for every single point you got. No-one hands you anything, you’ve got to take it.
“Too many Hibs players were on the periphery and didn’t get involved.
“You can’t just go out there and think ‘we are playing well, things will click for us.
“Going to your arch-rivals is where you are judged. There is an expectation that you give your best when you go to Tynecastle.”
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