Neil Lennon sees former Celtic team-mate's punch line come true amid multiple Omonia warning signs

It's hard to fathom that Neil Lennon' s Cyprus adventure ended a mere five days after narrowly missing out on a stunning Europa League draw away to Manchester United.

But Omonia Nicosia wasted no time to call time on the former Celtic manager's eight months in charge in the wake of Tuesday's defeat to Nea Salamis left them eight points off leaders Pafos. The volatile nature of managing in Cypriot football was known to Lennon before joining but it was cruelly underlined with a marker after Nicosia's defeat.

Lennon was gone in the immediate aftermath of his post-match press conference as the 51-year-old paid the ultimate price despite their exploits in Europe. The Irishman masterminded a Cup triumph last season before wiping the floor with Gent in Europa League qualifying. Yes, Nicosia lost four consecutive group stages matches, however, that doesn't tell the full story of their efforts. They were defeated by Real Sociedad and consecutive games to Manchester United by a single goal - with Scott McTominay's injury time winner rescuing the Red Devils.

But despite the unceremonious exit there's always been an understanding Lennon was operating under Cyprus rules where manager baggings are commonplace in a league where teams jostle for supremacy like Wacky Races. And the dangers were vocalised by both Lennon and one of his former team-mates at Parkhead who knows all about the heat that comes both and off the pitch.

Record Sport looks back at the telltale signs that were ringing loud before the axe fell.

The former Celtic boss was effusive in his praise of the top flight in Cyprus but pointed to the topsy turvy nature of the quest to secure title glory.

He said: "Tactically, it's improved, the league is quite