John Hartson says Neil Lennon’s Celtic departure is ‘correct call’ but warns Rangers under Steven Gerrard could dominate for years to come if they don’t get rebuild right

Celtic legend John Hartson believes Neil Lennon's departure as manager is the 'correct call' - but warns they must get his replacement right or risk trailing in Rangers' wake for a sustained period of time.

The Bhoys were vying for a 10th successive Scottish Premiership title this season, but find themselves 18 points behind their bitter rivals in the table after 30 matches.

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Having returned for a second stint as Celtic manager in February 2019 - succeeding Brendan Rodgers - Lennon guided Celtic to two titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup.

But this term has been a nightmare for the club, with Rangers dominating the league while there have also been several controversial incidents off the field.

Hartson won three titles playing alongside Lennon at Celtic Park, but concedes his former teammate simply had to go and a parting of the ways was the best move for all concerned.

He insists, however, that Lennon is not solely to blame for their struggles this term as he lamented the club's dealings in the transfer market.

"It's the correct call. Celtic can get moving quickly in terms of appointing a new manager and I feel the club needs new staff as well," Hartson told talkSPORT.

"The player recruitment has not been good enough for a club like Celtic. There's been episode after episode that has gone wrong.

"Neil Lennon has won numerous trophies at Celtic, both as a player and a manager, and we should respect that fact.

"But this season as I said it's gone from one episode to another one. Whether Neil has resigned or he's been relieved of his duties we don't know. But we have to believe he's resigned."

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Pressed on whether he believes Lennon was actually sacked rather than resigned as the club insisted, Hartson added: "We don't know what happened.

"My guess is they've had a conversation privately and come to a decision and said Neil would say he had resigned.

"Obviously the club might have said to Neil you can say you've resigned as we want to relive you of your duties."

Despite a season to forget for everyone connected with Celtic, Hartson believes they can assert their dominance on the Scottish Premiership again.

But he maintains they have to get the replacement and recruitment bang on and, if they don't, then Rangers and Steven Gerrard could well outshine Celtic for some time.

"They've got to get their recruitment right and they can build next season around players like Ryan Christie, Callum McGregor, David Turnbull," the former Bhoys striker said.

"They've still got some very good players at the club, but Celtic have to be wary and proactive - in terms of appointing the right manager. With Rangers comfortably winning the league this year, Celtic have to get it right.

"Rangers will have tremendous confidence and momentum and will do everything they can do keep hold of Steven Gerrard as manager for next season and going forward.

"So if Celtic don't get themselves into gear and get the right appointment and the right players, then Rangers could be looking at a successful period themselves."

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Hartson also backed the club's decision to hand John Kennedy, assistant under Lennon, the reins until the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

"John Kennedy has worked with three different managers: Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon. And during that time they've been very successful," he explained.

"John Kennedy has been a part of that and the club obviously feel John is in a position to lead the club for the remainder of the season.

"He'll settle the team down, organise the training, pick the team and in the meantime I believe they will actively be looking for a new management team."