Neil Lennon has broken his silence after resigning as Celtic boss this morning.

The manager departs after a string of poor results leaves the Hoops 18 points behind Rangers in the Premiership title race, with Steven Gerrard's men needing just seven points to finish the job.

Lennon has been under serious pressure for a number of weeks but his side's latest 1-0 defeat to Ross County last weekend was the final straw for the club hierarchy who made the decision.

READ MORE: Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell hails 'courage' of Neil Lennon

John Kennedy will take the squad on an interim basis.

Lennon remained convinced up until the end that he would be able to turn the club's fortunes around but Sunday's loss was too much for the Northern Irishman to survive. And he admitted his frustration and disappointment at being unable to provide the success of previous seasons and secure 10 in a row.

“We have experienced a difficult season due to so many factors and, of course, it is very frustrating and disappointing that we have not been able to hit the same heights as we did previously," Lennon told the club's website.

Glasgow Times: John Kennedy will take the squad on an interim basisJohn Kennedy will take the squad on an interim basis

“I have worked as hard as ever to try and turn things around, but unfortunately we have not managed to get the kind of run going that we have needed.

"I have always given my best to the Club and have been proud to deliver silverware to the Celtic supporters. The Club will always be part of me. I will always be a Celtic supporter myself and I will always want the best for Celtic.

“I would like to thank so many people at the Club who have given me so much and I would also like to thank my family for their love and support. I wish the Celtic supporters, players, staff and directors nothing but success for the future.”

A statement on Celtic's website confirmed Lennon's departure this morning, saying: "Celtic Football Club today announced that Neil Lennon has resigned from his position as football manager with immediate effect.

"Neil has served the club with distinction as both player and manager, delivering numerous successes, most recently completing the Domestic Treble in December. In his second period as Celtic manager, he has achieved five trophy successes, to add to his three League titles and two Scottish Cup victories in his first period as manager."

It comes after chief executive Peter Lawwell and chairman Ian Bankier came out in support of their manager as recently as earlier this month. They vowed not to make any 'hasty decisions' but ultimately decided to relieve Lennon of his duties after his latest loss.

Celts have dropped points in their title push on a number of occasions this season, having drawn seven games and lost four matches including the two Old Firm derbies so far.

READ MORE: Neil Lennon resigns as Celtic manager

Fans have called for the manager's head this term and have staged protests and hung banners outside Parkhead and Lennoxtown demanding change.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke is current favourite to replace Lennon at Celtic while Rafa Benitez, Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard have all been linked with the post.