Former Rapid Bucharest president Daniel Niculae has blasted the club for appointing Neil Lennon and believes that the Celtic legend’s short spell in the Romanian capital was doomed from the start.
The Irishman was handed the reins of the Liga I club back in May. The ex Hoops, Hibs and Bolton boss revamped his squad with 12 signings last summer, but ended up getting the boot by Rapid after failing to pick up a victory in his six matches at the helm. And former Rapid striker Niculae – who’s three-year spell as club president ended earlier this year- has criticised majority shareholder Dan Șucu for even giving Lennon the job.
Speaking to GSP, he said: “His appointment was a mistake last summer, a big mistake! No, the dismissal wasn’t a mistake, just the timing of his installation. This solution should not even have been discussed. Everyone sounded the alarm about Lennon’s arrival, but why that happened I don’t know; the “bad guys” from Rapid should be asked.”
Earlier this month, Lennon himself threatened to disclose details around his quickfire departure. He told golazo.ro: “One day I will say more about what happened at Rapid, but not now. I don’t know what version the club is telling about my departure, but I think most people know the truth about what happened. As for the results that Rapid has now, it’s really not my problem anymore.”
Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can also follow our dedicated Rangers and Celtic podcast pages and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We’ve also entered the world of WhatsApp with our Rangers community and Celtic community up and running. Follow NOW to get your club’s latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone.