BEING busy does not always mean real work. So claimed Thomas Edison who put forth this observation when he wasn’t inventing the light bulb, photography and the gramophone.
For a man with over 1000 patents to his name, old Tom wasn’t one for rushing around, which makes you wonder what he might have achieved had he not been such a slacker. He would never have made it in football management.
Neil Lennon is both busy and hard at work. Well, his job, according to Celtic supporters, is far more important than being America’s greatest inventor.
To quote another great man, Malcolm Tucker, the Celtic boss has a to-do list longer than a Leonard Cohen song.
Lennon’s task between now and May is to win the ninth league title in a row, to set up the ten, a fourth treble – a ridiculous feat when you think about it – and to guide his club into the Champions League group stage. Celtic have a possible, probable, eight-game month in August, beginning this afternoon at home to St Johnstone. Game one from 38 in what is hoped will be a record-equalling league campaign.
READ MORE: Neil Lennon: Celtic are going for 15 titles in a row
All of this is difficult enough, it comes with the territory, but Lennon is trying to buy two players, keeping an eye on Kieran Tierney for whom he expects a third Arsenal bid over the next few days, and get his men ready for what is going to be a test against the Romanian champions Cluj, a big step-up from their previous qualifiers.
“Nice and calm,” was how Lennon explained the start Celtic have made to one of the most important seasons in the club’s long history. At 48, he oozes relaxation.
With so much going on, the manager is rightly delighted and relieved about how his team has gone about their business. Four comfortable wins against two teams, both unknown opposition and champions of their country, is in the ‘can’t ask for any more’ category.
This is why, on the eve of his biggest season, Lennon himself was calm about what the next few weeks will bring, both good and bad, which is why Celtic’s manager looked anything but stressed as he spoke of his many spinning plates.
“I think I’m better at handling the qualifiers,” said Lennon. “I know how difficult it is, I know the importance of it. I’m trying not to over-think it. I just need to get the balance right and the players give you such a lift.
“The likes of Leigh Griffiths and Lewis Morgan have done really well, adding threat to the team allied to the core we already have. We’re still waiting on Vakoun Bayo, he played 70 minutes on Wednesday – so that’s another one we can add.
“We have more options than we had. I think we are in a lot stronger position than we were at the end of last season. We have the luxury, which we didn’t before, of giving Callum McGregor and James Forrest, Ryan Christie and Kristoffer Ajer a break on Wednesday. It’s good to see there is depth there and it’s a seamless transition.”
READ MORE: The Herald and Times Manager Power Rankings
For Lennon, it will also be good when the English transfer window closes at 10pm on Thursday night. By then, the immediate fate of Tierney will be known.
The Northern Irishman, I believe, expects the 22-year-old to be sold, which he is fine about, as he is if the left-back remains in Glasgow for the time being.
“With the window closing in England it might scare off potential suitors for players we have,” said Lennon. “He (Tierney) started kicking a ball on Wednesday but he’s still feeling some discomfort. We’ll see how it is when things settle down because it’s a very unsettling time for him at the minute.
“The injury has compounded that frustration because he’s not 100 percent right. I’ve been in his position so I have a lot of sympathy for him, when maybe a lot of people wouldn’t. I know what’s it’s like to have to keep adjusting your mindset if things do go as expected.
“This is where this generation are at a disadvantage because it comes at them from all angle, with social media and people surmising or giving opinions, making up rumours. I make sure of how he’s doing and we’re supportive of him whatever happens.
And there is eight in a row flag day, which Lennon will enjoy. Calmly, of course.
“As you get older you enjoy it a little bit more because these moments tend to pass by quickly. You just take it in and then focus on the game.”
As only that was all Lennon had to focus on. Ach, a busy life is a happy one.
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