Celtic manager Neil Lennon has finally sorted out his future and signed a new and lucrative 12-month rolling contract with the Glasgow club.

The former club captain returns for pre-season training next week with the new deal signed and delivered after months of speculation.

“I am absolutely delighted to agree this new contract with the club. I have had 10 great years connected to Celtic and I hope to enjoy many more,” Lennon told the official club website. “Clearly this is down to me and I will be doing everything I possibly can to ensure we bring our fans more success.

“I have been speaking to our chief executive Peter Lawwell over the past few weeks and we are both delighted to move forward together. We have sat down, looked at last season and now we look ahead.

“I know that Peter and the board’s vision for the club is the same as mine. We are absolutely together on this, we want to bring success to the club and reward the commitment which our supporters continue to make. “We want to provide our fans with entertaining, attacking and professional football, but ultimately we aim to deliver silverware.”

Lennon wants to mount a challenge in Europe as well as in Scotland next season. He added, “Work begins now on striving to bring domestic trophies to Celtic Park and on having some success in Europe. “We have already begun looking at the squad for next season. Whoever comes into the squad I know they will be joining some very talented players here who share my appetite for success.”

The Parkhead boss also thanked the fans for standing by him during a very traumatic season on and off the pitch. “The players have connected with our fans, they know what Celtic means to so many people and I know they will be looking to deliver success for them this coming season,” Lennon said. “Indeed, I would like to record my thanks to our supporters. The backing they gave to me and the team last season was absolutely tremendous.

“Clearly there was a lot involved in last season and their contribution was immense. I said when I was appointed manager that we wanted to re-ignite Celtic Park and make it the place it should be -- one of Europe’s finest, most atmospheric football arenas.

“There is no question this happened. There were numerous occasions last year when the fans’ unique backing played such a crucial role, and I know that we can build on this for next season.”

Celtic have been linked with Israeli striker Omer Damari, while captain Scott Brown has rubbished claims that he will move to Newcastle United this summer.

The Bhoys open their new league season with away games at Hibs and Aberdeen at the end of August, while the traditional New Year Old Firm derby will now be played in midweek to avert potential crowd trouble.