It was clear that Neil Lennon's time at Celtic was quickly coming to a close, but the news of his resignation in midweek still came as somewhat of a surprise.
The former Northern Ireland international had been bullish about his future at the club, saying he wanted to be the man to oversee the rebuild that was so clearly needed. However, the loss to Ross County on Sunday turned out to be final game in charge.
Celtic are now on the hunt for their next manager. Whoever is appointed will likely have the task of wrestling the title back from Steven Gerrard's Rangers next season, with their Glasgow rivals set to win the league for the first time since 2011.
Speaking ahead of his side's Europa League meeting with Royal Antwerp this evening, Gerrard said he felt no satisfaction in seeing Lennon lose his job. In fact, he admitted that he has a good relationship with the 49-year old despite their cross city rivalry.
Without a doubt, I can certainly understand the pressure and the sacrifice you have to make to be in this position as an Old Firm manager...
So I totally appreciate the job that Neil has done for Celtic. I take no personal satisfaction in seeing a rival manager lose his job, or any manager. Because I understand what you have to put into this job on a daily basis.
I know Neil as a guy. I know his family from holidaying in the same areas. And he's a good guy. He has been a big supporter of my charity over the years.
Obviously we have to put that aside when you are big rivals and I have enjoyed the battles and going toe-to-toe with Neil on the sideline. He's a good coach, a good manager.
I'm sure once the dust settles in time, we can share a pint together again.
But the reality in Scotland is that if the pressure's not on you, it's on your rival. If the pressure's on you, it means that your rival is doing well.
That's the game that me and Neil have both been in for the last couple of years. I wish him well in the future and we move forward here at Rangers.
Rangers currently hold an 18-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, meaning Celtic's quest for a tenth league title on the trot is all but over.
Gerrard will now be hoping to replicate the dominance Celtic have had over the last decade.
SEE ALSO: Will Neil Lennon Be Considered A Failure As Celtic Manager?
