Scottish Premiership

NON-LEAGUE Harrogate Town have rejected the chance to play Celtic in a friendly.
Neil Lennon’s side are down south training at Loughborough University as they gear up for their ten-in-a-row title push which will begin with a home clash against Hamilton on August 2.

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Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver has revealed he has snubbed the chance to play Celtic in a friendlyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

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Neil Lennon’s side will head to France next week for a trio of friendliesCredit: PA:Press Association
The Hoops had hoped to arrange a behind-closed doors fixture with Harrogate to build up the squad’s match sharpness.
But the League Two hopefuls don’t want to risk injury as they prepare for their crucial National League play-off against either Boreham Wood or FC Halifax Town later this month.
Boss Simon Weaver explained: “I received a great phone call from Danny Wilson just the other day, asking if we wanted to play Celtic at Loughborough, all expenses paid.
“Under any other circumstances we’d love to have played them. What an opportunity, and what a blow to have to say no.

“But it’s too big a risk for us with the size of our squad and because we only have four defenders available for the play-offs.
“We’re walking on eggshells a little bit in that respect. We’ve got to be very careful at the moment.
“I’m sure Celtic will find another of the play-off sides with a bigger squad who will be able to give them a game, but hopefully that link is forged now.”
Meanwhile Lennon admits his Celtic players are itching to end their four-month football exile ahead of next week’s trip to France.

They are due to face Lyon, Nice and PSG in friendlies and Lennon can’t wait to let his players loose.
He said: “We are trying to ramp up the training now as we are coming into games pretty soon.
“We haven’t played a competitive game for over four months so it’s important we get some match rhythm.
“We have to be really focused. The pre-season has been good so far and now they are itching to get a game.
“Hopefully after three or four games they will find their legs. It’s been a long break but it’s exciting to be back.
“We want a competitive edge in training to take into the games next week.

“The other side is getting the players used to playing behind closed doors.
“We have to adapt to that environment as it will be totally different to what we’ve been used to.
“The more we can do that, the better they will adapt to it. It has to be part of our preparations.
“We have to be in the right mindset and the right physical condition to get used to the situations thrown at us going forward.
“Every game is going to be critical from our point of view, because of what we could achieve as a group and club.”

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ALAN THOMPSON says he’s back on speaking terms with Neil Lennon following his biter Celtic exit.
Thommo, 46, was sacked as first-team coach during Lennon’s first spell as Hoops manager eight years ago.

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Alan Thompson had a seemingly unbreakable bond with Neil LennonCredit: PA:Press Association
The Geordie’s axing over his alleged off-field lifestyle damaged his seemingly unbreakable bond with long-term pal Lennon.
It also brought a sour end to his love affair with the club, where he won eight trophies as a player from 2000-07.
The former Bolton, Aston Villa and Leeds winger, who was capped by England, told BBC Sportsound: “It was a difficult time in my life.
“I’ve got no problem with Lenny now. Lenny and I speak.

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Thompson won the Scottish Cup and SPL title during his time as coachCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
“He’s rang me once or twice about a few players. I’ve rang him for a few contact numbers and stuff.
“He got me tickets for the Cup final last year, so there’s no problem now.
“Was there a period when we didn’t speak? Yes, absolutely.
“He’s got his reasons, I’ve got mine. But absolutely no problem whatsoever now.

“I wasn’t happy at all at what had happened or whether that was my fault or other people.
“It was just an awful time.

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Thompson and Johan Mjallby former Lennon’s backroom staff, along with Garry Parker and Stevie WoodsCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
“The club will say they made the right decision but my opinion might be different.
“It might not have been Neil’s decision [to sack him], I don’t know.
“It was very tough. I was having a tough time personally and then it was tough after that because I was out of work and going through a divorce which was a tough time.
“I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I’ve come through it now and looking forward to the future.”
Former Hoops idol Thompson – who lifted the Scottish Cup and SPL title during his time as coach – believes Lennon has matured since returning to Parkhead.
He said: “I think in his first period he made a lot of mistakes in terms of his anger on the touchline, his mannerisms and stuff like that.

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Thompson and Lennon spent seven years together as Celtic playersCredit: PA:Press Association
“I think he’s gone to Bolton and Hibs and watched Brendan come in and how he held himself in the touchline.
“He’s probably sat back himself and thought, ‘that’s an impressive way to come across to the fans and the players’ and it rubs off on the players.
“I think Lenny has mellowed, without a doubt. I think he’s a lot more calm on the touchline. I don’t know what he’s like in the dressing room now, maybe he’s more calm there.
“I think it’s for the better. I think he’s a better manager for the experience that he’s had.”
Thompson has been out of work since leaving Bury his assistant manager role at Bury in 2017.
But the former England international believes he’s got unfinished business at Celtic and says he’d happily work in Scotland again.
He said: “Yeah, you could say that but then who knows what lies ahead, we’ll have to wait and see.
“It’d be nice to get back in the game in some capacity, coaching and possibly managing in the future.
“You’d love to go back to any club that’s got the stature of Celtic and the support.
“I’ve seen a lot of Celtic fans in the last few years at functions and stuff like that.
“They are great to be around and it’s nice to get a pat on the back now and again because sometimes you forget about that in the dark days.

“If the right job came up in the right part of Scotland and it was appealing to me, yeah I’d go back, without a doubt.
“It’s a great place, great people. They are very passionate supporters, it’s now just Celtic and Rangers I’m talking about.
“I’m talking about other clubs, even the smaller clubs have got passionate supporters, even if they don’t have the numbers Celtic and Rangers have got.
“It would be somewhere I would definitely contemplate coming back to yes.”

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