NEIL LENNON last night admitted that his remit as the new manager of Hibernian would be to win promotion to the Ladbrokes Premiership after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Easter Road club.

Hibs announced just after 10 o’clock last night that Lennon, the former Celtic and Bolton manager, had agreed to take over from Alan Stubbs, who joined Rotherham United, after nearly three hours of talks.

READ MORE: Tom Boyd expects Neil Lennon to shine in Leith

The Edinburgh club ended their 114-year wait to win the William Hill Scottish Cup last month with Stubbs in charge when they defeated Rangers 3-2 in the 
final at Hampden.

However, Lennon, who has been out of work since parting company with Bolton back in March, must now guide them back into the Premiership alongside Aberdeen, Celtic, Hearts and Rangers at the third time of asking.

Glasgow Times:

He said: “What can I offer this club? Hopefully I can bring a winning mentality. I think I am following on in big shoes with Alan from what he achieved here. My remit is obviously to try and get promotion, but that is going to be pretty difficult because of the competition that is in the Championship.”

Asked what he thought of his news training facilities at East Mains, he said: “Incredible. I was really impressed. The chairman was here which was really great. He took time out to come down and see us and obviously I was really impressed with what Leeann has had to say as well so it’s very exciting for me obviously.

READ MORE: Tom Boyd expects Neil Lennon to shine in Leith

“I have big admiration for the club and have done for a long time so I am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. I am home. I moved back home a few months ago. I don’t have to move the family around again. I know the environment, the culture, I know the people here.

“As I say, Hibs is a big club with a fantastic tradition. They’ve got the monkey off their backs now with winning the cup so I don’t have that pressure. It’s a great club with a great support and we want to get it really going again.

“I think the budget will be strong for the division. I don’t think we’ll be favourites. I think United will be coming down and obviously Falkirk finished ahead of us last season. We have to overcome those teams as well as the likes of Dunfermline who have good momentum as well. It’s going to be an exciting league again.

READ MORE: Tom Boyd expects Neil Lennon to shine in Leith

“I know Scottish football very well. I played in the lower leagues early on in my career. I don’t have an issue with working in the Championship. I am looking forward to it. It is the club that attracted me, the potential and the fan base that is here. We want to get Hibs back where we think they should be and that’s in the Premiership.

“If we can win a few trophies along the way then so be it, but the remit is to get promotion. That is going to be tough though.”

Garry Parker, the former Leicester City midfielder who was a first team coach under Lennon at both Celtic and Bolton, will become Lennon’s No.2 at Easter Road.

Hibs chairman Rod Petrie said: “We are delighted to have secured a head coach of Neil’s calibre and profile, and we look forward to him bringing his drive and mentality to our campaign to win the Championship this season and secure promotion back to the top flight of Scottish football.”

Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster said: “As soon as Neil was identified as the outstanding candidate we were determined to bring him to Easter Road.
He has managed at a very high level, taking Celtic to the last 16 of the Champions League, and we were attracted by his ability to get the most out of players and his driven, winning mentality.

“On behalf of everyone at Hibernian FC, we would like to extend a warm welcome to both Neil and Garry.”

READ MORE: Tom Boyd expects Neil Lennon to shine in Leith