Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 18:25, 18 October 2022

Neil Lennon

Lennon at Celtic Park in 2006
Personal information
Full name	Neil Francis Lennon
Date of birth	(1971-06-25) 25 June 1971 (age 53)
Place of birth	Lurgan, County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Position(s)	Midfielder
Youth career
1987–1989	Manchester City
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1986–1987	Glenavon	2	(1)
1987–1990	Manchester City	1	(0)
1990–1996	Crewe Alexandra	147	(15)
1996–2000	Leicester City	170	(6)
2000–2007	Celtic	214	(3)
2007–2008	Nottingham Forest	18	(0)
2008	Wycombe Wanderers	9	(0)
Total		561	(25)
International career
1990–1994	Northern Ireland U21	2	(0)
1990	Northern Ireland U23	2	(0)
1994	Northern Ireland B	1	(0)
1994–2002	Northern Ireland	40	(2)
Managerial career
2010–2014	Celtic
2014–2016	Bolton Wanderers
2016–2019	Hibernian
2019–2021	Celtic
2022	Omonia
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Neil Francis Lennon (born 25 June 1971) is a Northern Irish football coach and former player.

During his playing career he represented English clubs Manchester City, Crewe Alexandra and Leicester City. Lennon moved to Celtic in 2000, where he made over 200 appearances and was appointed captain in 2005. Before retiring as a player, he returned to England and played for Nottingham Forest and Wycombe Wanderers. Lennon also earned 40 caps for the Northern Ireland national team over nine years, scoring two goals.

Lennon was appointed manager of former club Celtic in March 2010, initially in a caretaker capacity, following the departure of Tony Mowbray. Lennon enjoyed significant success as Celtic manager, winning three Scottish league championships, two Scottish Cups, qualifying for the group stage of the Champions League twice and the knockout stages once, before leaving the club in May 2014. After an unsuccessful spell back in England with Bolton Wanderers, marred by the club's financial problems, Lennon returned to Scottish football in 2016 with Hibernian. He led them to promotion back to the Scottish Premiership in his first season as head coach, and European qualification in his second season, before leaving Hibernian in January 2019.

Lennon returned to Celtic in February 2019, initially on an interim basis for the rest of the 2018–19 season, and guided them to the league and Scottish Cup titles. His contract was renewed and he led Celtic to the Scottish league title again in 2019–20. He also led the team to a fourth consecutive domestic treble by also winning the League Cup and the Scottish Cup that season. Lennon left Celtic in February 2021, as the club had fallen far behind Rangers in the 2020–21 Scottish Premiership.

Lennon returned to football a year later, becoming the new manager of Cypriot club Omonia in March 2022. Less than three months after arriving on the island, he led the club to win the Cypriot Cup, their first since 2012.

Early life

Lennon was born in Lurgan, County Armagh and attended St Michael's Grammar School in the town. As a youngster he played gaelic football for the school and was also selected for the Armagh minor team. He grew up supporting Celtic and played football for the local Lurgan Celtic youth team.

Club career

Early career

Lennon joined Glenavon, after reaching the final of the Milk Cup with Glenavon Select and scored on his Irish League debut. He then joined Manchester City as a trainee in 1987. He made one first team appearance during his time in Manchester, a league match on 30 April 1988 away against Birmingham City, before signing for Crewe Alexandra on a free transfer in August 1990. Lennon made his debut for Crewe on 18 September 1990 against Reading. Despite missing the whole of season 1991–92 due to a back injury, he became an established member of the side and impressed with his intelligent play and consistent performances. Lennon's form saw him make his debut for Northern Ireland in 1994, and thus became the first Crewe Alexandra player in 60 years to win a full international cap. In 5+1⁄2 years at Crewe, Lennon made 187 appearances for the club and scored 18 goals.

Leicester City

In February 1996, Lennon signed for Leicester City for a fee of £750,000. In May 1996, Lennon played in the Leicester City side that defeated Crystal Palace 2–1 at Wembley in the Play-off Final to win promotion to the Premier League. On 16 April 1997, Lennon picked up his first major winner's medal when Leicester won 1–0 against Middlesbrough in a replayed League Cup Final. He played in a further two League Cup Finals during his time at Filbert Street, losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in March 1999 but winning 2–1 against Tranmere Rovers in February 2000.

An on-field incident during a league match in 1998 against Newcastle United between Lennon and Alan Shearer resulted in the England international being charged with misconduct by the FA, Television footage showed Shearer appearing to intentionally kick Lennon in the head following a challenge. The referee of the game took no action against Shearer. Shearer apologised afterwards, but denied that the contact with Lennon was deliberate, and Lennon later gave evidence in Shearer's defence at the FA hearing which subsequently cleared the Newcastle and England striker of all charges.

Celtic

After Martin O'Neill became the new manager of Celtic in June 2000, he made several attempts to sign Lennon. Finally after months of protracted negotiations with Leicester, on 6 December 2000 Lennon joined the club he supported as a boy for a fee of £5.75 million. That season saw Lennon pick-up three winner's medals as Celtic swept to a domestic treble, winning the Scottish Premier League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup. The next four seasons at Celtic saw Lennon win a further two league championships and two Scottish Cups. He was also an integral part of the Celtic side that reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2003, losing 3-2 to Porto after extra time.

When Gordon Strachan took over from Martin O'Neill as Celtic manager in the summer of 2005, he made Lennon Celtic captain. In January 2006 when his former club Leicester City sacked Craig Levein, Lennon was linked with a return to the Midlands side in a player-manager role. He went on record saying he was flattered but wanted to captain Celtic to the Scottish Premier League title.

Although he was also linked with a move to Crystal Palace in a player-manager role in the summer of 2006, on 23 June 2006, Celtic announced he had signed a new one-year contract. Sunderland manager Roy Keane made an attempt to sign Lennon prior to the closure of the August 2006 transfer window, but his approach for the player was rejected by Celtic. On 25 April 2007, Lennon announced he would be leaving Celtic, and in his last game for the club on 26 May 2007, he captained the team to victory in the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline Athletic. Celtic's 1–0 win clinched the League and Cup Double.

Later career

Lennon joined League One club Nottingham Forest on a one-year contract with an option for a second year on 12 June 2007. He made his debut captaining the side in a 0–0 draw at home to AFC Bournemouth. He missed a week's training with Forest in November 2007, because of family reasons in Scotland, and lost his place in the team as a consequence.

Lennon joined Wycombe Wanderers of League Two on a free transfer on 31 January 2008, managed by his former Celtic midfield partner Paul Lambert. He left on 3 April to take up a coaching role with Celtic.

International career

Lennon made his international debut for Northern Ireland on 11 June 1994 when he come on as a substitute in a friendly against Mexico in Miami. He had to wait nearly a year for his next cap when he played against Chile in another friendly. Lennon made his first competitive appearance three months later on 3 September 1995 in a European Championship qualifier away against Portugal. After that, Lennon became a fixture in the international side although Northern Ireland were unsuccessful in their attempts to qualify for the finals of major tournaments.

Lennon decided to retire from international football in August 2002 upon receiving a death threat before a Northern Ireland match against Cyprus. The threats came after his alleged claim that he wanted to play for a team representing a United Ireland. The threat was allegedly made by the Loyalist Volunteer Force, although the organisation later denied this.

Lennon was capped 40 times by Northern Ireland, scoring two goals. He also captained the team on several occasions.

International goals

Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first

Goal	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	5 October 1996	Belfast, Northern Ireland	Armenia	1–0	1–1	1998 World Cup qualification
2	18 October 1998	Belfast, Northern Ireland	Moldova	2–2	2–2	Euro 2000 qualification

Managerial career

Lennon was linked with the vacant manager's job at Hibernian after the resignation of John Collins, but the job was given to Mixu Paatelainen. Lennon's first coaching appointment was as first team coach with Celtic in 2008. After the appointment of Tony Mowbray as Celtic manager, Lennon took charge of the Celtic reserve team.

Celtic won the Jock Stein Friendship Cup match on penalties in his first match. With no reserve league, the team played a series of friendlies in Ireland against the first teams of Cork City, Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers, and Cliftonville, losing only once. They played several times in England against Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Chelsea, Huddersfield Town, Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Celtic

Following Mowbray's departure from Celtic on 25 March 2010, Lennon was appointed caretaker manager for the remainder of the 2009–10 season. He appointed former teammate Johan Mjällby as his assistant. Celtic won all of their remaining league games under Lennon, including wins over Kilmarnock, Hibernian, and Rangers, but lost 2–0 to First Division side Ross County in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. In the aftermath of that defeat, Lennon spoke frankly about the Celtic players and their performances over the course of the season. He said that they had lacked "hunger and desire" and that whether he was installed as manager or not, he would be recommending a significant clear-out of players to the board.

Lennon was appointed manager of Celtic on a full-time basis on 9 June 2010. He retained Mjällby as his assistant, as well as former Celtic teammate Alan Thompson and former Leicester City teammate Garry Parker as first-team coaches

He made considerable changes to the Celtic team for the 2010–11 season. He sold Aiden McGeady for a then Scottish record £9.5 million along with captain Stephen McManus and goalkeeper Artur Boruc. 13 other players also left the club, this gave Lennon enough funds to re-build for the new season. Lennon then went on to sign several talented, young, cheap, relatively unknown players, from smaller leagues around the world; striker Gary Hooper arrived from English side Scunthorpe, Israeli international Beram Kayal was signed, and Honduran left-back Emilio Izaguirre also signed on. Lennon also signed several experienced players on free transfers. Charlie Mulgrew, Joe Ledley, and Daniel Majstorović all went into the first team. In addition to these Lennon also signed five other players, including Fraser Forster on loan from Newcastle who became first choice 'keeper and helped set a new SPL record for most clean sheets.

On 28 July, in his first competitive game as full-time manager, Celtic lost 3–0 away to Braga in the UEFA Champions League. Celtic won their first eight league matches under Lennon, although controversy erupted in their 2–1 win away at Dundee United on 17 October 2010. Celtic were awarded a penalty kick in the second half, but the decision was then rescinded by referee Dougie McDonald. McDonald explained after the match that he over-ruled the penalty award on the advice of the assistant referee. Lennon reluctantly accepted McDonald's explanation, commenting "I suppose you have to put it down to another honest mistake by the referee." It was, however, later revealed that McDonald had lied in his explanation over the penalty award and the referee subsequently resigned several weeks later having received a warning from the Scottish Football Association after failing to properly explain his overturning of the penalty award. Further referring controversy ensued the following week when Celtic lost their unbeaten run in the league, losing 3–1 at home against Rangers. The Ibrox club's third goal came as a result of penalty awarded when Rangers' Kirk Broadfoot fell to the ground under a challenge from Celtic's Daniel Majstorović. Broadfoot appeared to have dived, and television footage showed that the referee had his back to the play when the challenge occurred, only turning in time to see Broadfoot fall to the ground. Lennon stated afterwards that he felt the referee "got a couple of decisions wrong", and added regarding the penalty, "I'm not sure that he saw it so I don't know why he's given it. He's got a lot of questions to answer". In November, Lennon led Celtic to a 9–0 win over Aberdeen, a record win in the Scottish Premier League and Aberdeen's heaviest ever defeat. Celtic lost their next game 2–0 away against Hearts, with Celtic's Joe Ledley sent off for the first time in his career for a "strong" challenge on Ian Black. Celtic were later denied a penalty award in the second half, and shortly afterwards Lennon was sent to the stand by the referee. Lennon defended Ledley after the match, describing referee Craig Thomson's decision as "ridiculous". Lennon was later given a six match touchline ban for excessive misconduct as a result of the incident in the Hearts' game, although it was later reduced to four matches after appeal. He was given another four match touchline ban by the SFA following an altercation with Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist after a Scottish Cup match in March 2011.

Lennon led Celtic to the final of the League Cup in March 2011, but they lost 2–1 to Rangers after extra time. They remained in contention for the SPL title until the final day of the 2010–11 season, when they won 4–0 at home to Motherwell, but finished a point behind Rangers. He won his first silverware as a manager when Celtic beat Motherwell 3–0 in the Scottish Cup Final a week later.

After rallying from a poor start to season 2011–12, Lennon won the SPL Manager of the Month award for November 2011. The club went on to win the 2011–12 Scottish Premier League and Lennon was made SFWA Manager of the Year. Lennon then guided Celtic through two qualification rounds to reach the group stage of the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League, where Celtic beat Barcelona one day after the club's 125th birthday. Celtic qualified out of their group to the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Celtic were comfortably beaten on aggregate by Juventus in the last 16 round, but both Celtic and Lennon were still praised for their overall Champions League campaign. On 21 April 2013, Celtic retained the Premier League title. Lennon finished the season by leading Celtic to a League and Cup double with a 3–0 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Final.

Celtic qualified for the group stages of the Champions League again the following season, but had a dismal campaign; winning only once with a 2–1 home win over Ajax, and slumping to a 6–1 rout away against Barcelona in the final group match. They fared little better in the domestic cup competitions; losing 1-0 to Morton in their first game in the Scottish League Cup, and losing 2-1 to Aberdeen in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. The League campaign was much more impressive through; undefeated until February and losing only twice in all over the course of the season in which they scored 102 goals on the way to their third successive League title. On 22 May 2014, Lennon announced that he was leaving Celtic after four years as manager. "I have parted company with Celtic," he said in a brief statement, adding "The club are in a very strong position and I wish the fans and the club all the very best for the future."

Bolton Wanderers

Lennon was announced as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers on 12 October 2014, signing a four-year contract. He won his first game in charge 1–0 against Birmingham City at St Andrew's stadium, although he was sent to the stands in the 81st minute after an altercation with referee Mark Hayward caused by Lennon leaving his technical area before Craig Davies's penalty was saved. Lennon's first three months in charge saw Bolton rise ten places from bottom of the league up to fourteenth; a spell that included an eight match unbeaten run and four consecutive clean sheets. Bolton reached the fourth round of the FA Cup and took Liverpool to a replay before conceding a last minute goal to lose 2–1 and go out. Things didn't go well for Lennon thereafter, with Bolton winning only one of their last 11 games of the season, and Barry Bannan and Neil Danns being suspended by Lennon for off-field indiscipline. Bolton did however succeed in avoiding relegation, finishing 18th in the league.

Bolton struggled at the start of the following season, and by October 2015 were lying bottom of the table with only one win in their first eleven league games. Lennon maintained confidence in his ability to improve Bolton's fortunes, stating "I didn't realise quite how tough it was going to be but I have got faith in my own ability and I believe we'll turn things around." By the end of November 2015, Bolton had gone on a run of twelve games without a win, and remained bottom of the Championship. At this time, the club announced that their squad had not been paid this month "due to a short-term funding issue" in a statement which came hours before their 1–1 draw with Brentford. In that game, Bolton striker Gary Madine was seen on television mouthing an insult towards Lennon, although the manager played down the incident afterwards, stating "I don't know what he said. He's a Geordie, I can't understand him! It was probably reciprocated!" Bolton continued to struggle and, with the club at the bottom of the table, Lennon left by "mutual consent" on 15 March 2016.

Hibernian

Lennon was appointed head coach of Scottish Championship club Hibernian in June 2016. He led the "Hibees" to the Scottish Championship title and promotion back to the Scottish Premiership (after a three-season absence) in his first season. In September 2017, Lennon and Hibs agreed to extend his contract to the end of the 2019–20 season. Hibs finished fourth in the 2017–18 Scottish Premiership and qualified for the Europa League.

On 25 January 2019, Lennon was suspended by Hibernian following an exchange with other club employees. On 30 January, it was announced that he and assistant coach Garry Parker had left the club by mutual consent. A club statement said that "neither Neil nor Garry has been guilty of any misconduct or wrongdoing and no disciplinary process has been commenced. The suspension, put in place to allow an internal review, was lifted by the club as part of this agreement."

Return to Celtic

On 26 February 2019, Lennon was appointed manager of Celtic for a second time, taking over until the end of the campaign following Brendan Rodgers' mid-season departure for Leicester City. Having helped the club achieve an unprecedented third domestic treble ("treble treble"), Lennon was appointed permanent manager for a second time at the end of the season. The 2019–20 season saw very similar success, even following the suspension of professional football as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The season was later curtailed and the title awarded to Celtic, who were thirteen points clear at the time of suspension, equalling the national record of nine consecutive championships set by Celtic in the 1970s and matched by Rangers in the 1990s. In addition to the league, they were once again victorious in the League and Scottish cups, giving the club their fourth consecutive domestic treble.

Following a positive start to the 2020–21 campaign, Lennon came under significant criticism after the club underwent a poor run of results that began with a 2–0 Old Firm home loss to Rangers on 17 October; this was followed by failure to qualify for the Champions League group stage, elimination from the Europa League in the group stage and elimination from the League Cup in the second round, ending the possibility of a fifth consecutive treble. As calls were made for Lennon to be sacked and fans began to protest outside Celtic Park following their elimination from the League Cup, the board of directors released a statement on 7 December in which they voiced full support of Lennon and his back room staff. After a brief turnaround in results, Celtic lost the second Old Firm game of the season on 2 January, and calls were once again made for Lennon to be removed from his position as hopes of a historic tenth title faded.

Lennon was also criticised for taking the squad on a training trip to Dubai in January, during which two players contracted COVID-19; health protocols meant that 13 players and three coaches, including Lennon, had to be quarantined for 10 days after they returned. They consequently missed league matches with Hibernian and Livingston, both of which were drawn. There were more fan protests after a home defeat by St Mirren, the first time the Paisley club had won at Celtic Park since 1990. Despite previously stating that he would not resign, Lennon left the club on 24 February 2021 following a 1–0 defeat to Ross County, which left Celtic 18 points behind Rangers in the title race.

Omonia

On 8 March 2022, Lennon was appointed head coach of Cypriot First Division side Omonia on a two-and-a-half year deal, replacing former Rangers defender Henning Berg. On 25 May, Lennon led the club to their first trophy under his leadership, as they defeated Ethnikos Achna on penalties to win the Cypriot Cup; during extra time, Lennon received a red card and was ordered to leave the touchline by the referee.

Ahead of the 2022–23 season, Lennon recruited players who he had managed at former clubs, including Adam Matthews and Gary Hooper (Celtic) and Brandon Barker (Hibernian). After defeat in the Cypriot Super Cup to Apollon Limassol, Lennon's Omonia team shocked Belgian side Gent 4–0 on aggregate to qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage. The reward for this win saw the club drawn in Group E with Manchester United, Real Sociedad, and Sheriff Tiraspol.

On 18 October 2022, Lennon was sacked by the club following a home defeat to newly-promoted side Nea Salamis Famagusta.

Personal life

Lennon has spoken about having suffered from depression since 2000.

In January 2011, Lennon reached an out of court settlement with the Bank of Ireland after a company of which he was a director defaulted on a €3.7 million loan.

While a young player at Crewe, Lennon was a friend of Andy Woodward and Steve Walters, both of whom were victims of sexual abuse by coach Barry Bennell. After Bennell's 2018 conviction, Lennon spoke of his regret at not being aware of the abuse at the time.

He is a supporter of his home-town team Lurgan Celtic.

Managerial statistics

As of match played 18 October 2022

Honours

Player

Crewe Alexandra

• Football League Third Division promotion: 1993–94

Leicester City

• League Cup (2): 1996–97, 1999–2000
• First Division play-offs: 1995–96

Celtic

• Scottish Premier League (5): 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04, 2005–06, 2006–07
• Scottish Cup (4): 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05, 2006–07
• Scottish League Cup (2): 2000–01, 2005–06
• UEFA Cup runner-up: 2002–03

Nottingham Forest

• Football League One promotion: 2007–08

Manager

Celtic

• Scottish Premier League / Premiership (5): 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2018–19, 2019–20
• Scottish Cup (4): 2010–11, 2012–13, 2018–19, 2019–20
• Scottish League Cup: 2019–20

Hibernian

• Scottish Championship: 2016–17

Omonia

• Cypriot Cup: 2021–22

Awards and achievements

Player

• PFA Team of the Year (Third Division): 1993–94
• PFA Team of the Year (Second Division) (2): 1994–95, 1995–96
• Northern Ireland International Personality of the Year (1): 2001
• Celtic FC Player of the Year (2): 2003–04, 2005–06

Manager

• SPL Manager of the Year: 2011–12
• SFWA Manager of the Year (3): 2011–12, 2012–13, 2019–20
• Sunday Mail Sports Awards Editors' Choice: 2012
• SPL Player of the Month (3): March 2001, March 2004, April 2007
• SPL Manager of the Month (8): September 2010, January 2011, April 2011, November 2011, December 2011, February 2012, April 2012, December 2012
• SPFL Premiership Manager of the Month (3): December 2013, January 2014, October 2017
• SPFL Championship Manager of the Month (2): August 2016, January 2017

References

1. Hugman, Barry J. (2005). The PFA Premier & Football League Players' Records 1946–2005. Queen Anne Press. p. 367. ISBN 1-85291-665-6.
2. Neil Lennon Archived 20 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine Sporting-Heroes
3. ^ Celtic appoint Neil Lennon as their new manager The Times, 9 June 2010
4. "Lennon the way forward for Celtic". UEFA. 9 June 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
5. "Tony Mowbray leaves Celtic". STV Sport. STV Group. 25 March 2010. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
6. "Neil Lennon appointed manager of AC Omonoia Nicosia". The Celtic Star. 7 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
7. ^ "Profile: Neil Lennon". BBC Sport. 22 August 2002. Archived from the original on 20 March 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2010.
8. St Michael's Mercy Mission to Mukuru Archived 1 November 2014 at the Wayback Machine St Michael's Grammar School, 24 May 2010
9. Quinn, Jerome (18 May 2001). "Neil Lennon tips Armagh". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
10. ^ Lennon the man to lead Celtic's revival Archived 21 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine The Belfast Telegraph, 9 June 2010
11. ^ Berry, Gavin (1 June 2010). "Neil Lennon has the drive to be great manager and proved it when he overcame crippling spine injury, says mentor". Daily Record. Archived from the original on 6 June 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2010.
12. "Neil Lennon". Bluemoon. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 19 November 2013.
13. "Lennon named 3rd". Crewe Alexandra F.C. 17 November 2004. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
14. ^ "Neil Lennon". Crewe Alexandra Football in the Community Scheme. Archived from the original on 17 February 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
15. Turner, Simon. "Hall of Fame: Neil Lennon". Crewe Alexandra MAD. Digital Sports Media. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
16. "Crewe Alexandra". BBC Leeds. 11 January 2008. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
17. "Potted History". CreweAlex.net. Crewe Alexandra FC. 14 May 2012. Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
18. "Newcastle on the verge of signing Batty". The Independent. 23 February 1996. Archived from the original on 10 June 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2012.
19. Rowbottom, Mike (28 May 1996). "Claridge's climax shatters Palace". The Independent. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
20. "Leicester City v Middlesbrough, 16 April 1997". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
21. "Nielsen nicks it for Spurs". BBC Sport. 22 March 1999. Archived from the original on 1 April 2003. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
22. "Leicester triumph at Wembley". BBC Sport. 27 February 2000. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
23. "Shearer charged with misconduct". BBC Sport. 7 May 1998. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2008.
24. "10 of the worst...Fouls". ESPN Soccernet. 27 July 2005. Archived from the original on 6 December 2008. Retrieved 5 August 2008.
25. "Shearer cleared in boot row". BBC Sport. 12 May 1998. Archived from the original on 17 May 2008. Retrieved 5 August 2008.
26. "Lennon seals Celtic move". BBC Sport. 9 December 2000. Archived from the original on 26 May 2004. Retrieved 28 August 2009.
27. Ley, John (7 December 2000). "Lennon realises dream to join his idols Celtic". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 15 November 2013.
28. "2002/03 UEFA Cup Final". UEFA. Archived from the original on 8 November 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
29. "Lennon plays down Leicester link". BBC Sport. 27 January 2006. Archived from the original on 10 March 2006. Retrieved 25 August 2007.
30. "Crystal Palace open Lennon talks". BBC Sport. 20 June 2006. Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2006.
31. "Celtic 1–0 Dunfermline Athletic". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 26 May 2007. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
32. "Lennon signs for the Reds". BBC Nottingham. 12 June 2007. Archived from the original on 23 May 2011. Retrieved 12 June 2007.
33. "Where are they now (I-Q)". Nottingham Forest F.C. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
34. Murdoch, Jamie (1 November 2007). "Forest explain Neil Lennon's return to Scotland". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 30 October 2017. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
35. ^ "Veteran Lennon signs for Wycombe". BBC Sport. 31 January 2008. Archived from the original on 3 February 2008. Retrieved 31 January 2008.
36. Bean, Graham (25 March 2010). "In from cold, forgotten man Neil Lennon is back on centre stage". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
37. "Political Football: Neil Lennon". Channel 4 News. 5 October 2007. Archived from the original on 9 September 2011. Retrieved 2 December 2011.
38. "Who really threatened to kill Neil Lennon?". Sunday Herald. 25 August 2002. Archived from the original on 30 March 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
39. "Driven out by hate". BBC News. 22 August 2002. Archived from the original on 28 June 2003. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
40. 1996 MATCHES EUROPE (October) Archived 29 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation
41. (Northern) Ireland – International Results 1990–1999 – Details Archived 27 March 2013 at the Wayback Machine Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation
42. Dowie sparks recovery but slip-ups are costly Archived 25 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine Birmingham Post, 19 November 1998 (archived)
43. "Easter Road job interests Lennon". BBC Sport. 21 December 2007. Archived from the original on 23 December 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
44. Forsyth, Roddy (6 April 2008). "Neil Lennon in a whirl at surprise Celtic return". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 1 November 2014. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
45. McInally, Gavin (5 January 2010). "Arthurlie's Celtic clash called-off". Perth Daily Express. Scottish & Universal Newspapers. Archived from the original on 1 October 2013.
46. "Nine-in-a-row starts today". Video Celts. 20 July 2009. Archived from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
    "Jock Stein Friendship Cup – Albion Rovers 0 Celtic XI 0". Celtic Football Programmes Online. Archived from the original on 2 December 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2017.
47. ^ "Neil Lennon has ruled out any move from Celtic to revive the SPL Reserves". Video Celts. 25 February 2010. Archived from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
    "Size doesn't matter: Paul McGowan". Video Celts. 20 March 2010. Archived from the original on 8 June 2019. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
48. "Celtic part company with manager Tony Mowbray". BBC Sport. 25 March 2010. Archived from the original on 13 July 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
49. Lindsay, Clive (27 March 2010). "Celtic 3–1 Kilmarnock". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2010.
50. Conaghan, Martin (4 April 2010). "Hibernian 0–1 Celtic". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
51. Campbell, Andy (4 May 2010). "Celtic 2–1 Rangers". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 24 December 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
52. "Neil Lennon slams the lack of Celtic hunger and desire". BBC Sport. 27 March 2010. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
53. "Lennon questions Hoops attitude". Sky Sports. 10 April 2010. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
54. "Neil Lennon slams the lack of Celtic hunger and desire". BBC Sport. 10 April 2010. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
55. New manager Neil Lennon vows to bring success back to Celtic Archived 27 September 2016 at the Wayback Machine The Guardian, 9 June 2010
56. "Celtic appoint Johan Mjällby and Garry Parker". BBC Sport. 1 July 2010. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
57. "Celtic £3.5m up on summer deals as Stephen McManus checks out with Efrain Juarez poised to check in". The Herald. Glasgow: Herald & Times Group. 13 July 2010. Archived from the original on 16 July 2010. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
58. "Goalkeeper Artur Boruc moves to Fiorentina from Celtic". BBC Sport. 15 July 2010. Archived from the original on 16 July 2010. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
59. ^ "Neil Lennon explains Celtic's recruitment policy". STV Sport. 6 July 2011. Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
60. "Scunthorpe striker Gary Hooper signs for Celtic". BBC Sport. 27 July 2010. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
61. "Scunthorpe's Gary Hooper completes £2.5m move to Celtic". The Guardian. 27 July 2010. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
62. "Celtic sign Israel midfielder Beram Kayal". BBC Sport. 29 July 2010. Archived from the original on 6 August 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
63. "Celtic complete signing of Israeli midfielder Biram Kayal". The Guardian. 29 July 2010. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
64. "Celtic complete deal for left-back Emilio Izaguirre". BBC Sport. 18 August 2010. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
65. Ananth, Adithya (1 July 2010). "Celtic Sign Charlie Mulgrew From Aberdeen on a Free". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 4 July 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
66. "Defender Charlie Mulgrew seals second Celtic spell". BBC Sport. 1 July 2010. Archived from the original on 4 July 2010. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
67. Stuart James, Ewan Murray (7 July 2010). "Joe Ledley moves to Celtic to deepen Cardiff's financial crisis". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
68. "Former Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley signs for Celtic". BBC Sport. 12 July 2010. Archived from the original on 8 August 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
69. "Celtic sign Joe Ledley from Cardiff but move for Jimmy Bullard stalls". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media. Press Association. 12 July 2010. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
70. "Celtic sign Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic". BBC Sport. 16 August 2010. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
71. "Celtic sign goalkeeper Fraser Forster on loan from Newcastle". The Guardian. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
72. "Newcastle goalkeeper Fraser Forster on Celtic loan". BBC Sport. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
73. "Fraser Forster proud of role in shut-out success". Evening Times. 18 May 2011. Archived from the original on 30 August 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
74. "Braga 3–0 Celtic". BBC Sport. 28 July 2010. Archived from the original on 29 July 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2010.
75. "Hoops striker Hooper believes it was a 'bad decision'". Goal.com. 17 October 2010. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
76. "Referee Dougie McDonald opts to retire". BBC Sport. 28 November 2010. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
77. ^ Grahame, Ewing (24 October 2015). "Rookie referee Willie Collum in the Old Firm spotlight as Celtic lose perfect record". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 30 January 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
78. "Celtic 9–0 Aberdeen: Atrocious Dons suffer biggest defeat in club history". The Scotsman. 6 November 2010. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
79. McHugh, Joe (12 November 2010). "Ledley questions red card decision". Video Celts. Archived from the original on 30 December 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
80. "Celtic manager Neil Lennon rails at referee". ESPN FC. 11 November 2010. Archived from the original on 29 December 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2013.
81. "Celtic accept reduced Neil Lennon ban". The Independent. 4 March 2011. Archived from the original on 7 March 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
82. "Ally McCoist and Neil Lennon receive Hampden final bans". BBC Sport. 10 March 2011. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
83. Campbell, Andy (20 March 2011). "Celtic 1–2 Rangers". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
84. Burke, Andy (15 May 2011). "Celtic 4–0 Motherwell". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 6 December 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2011.
85. ^ Conaghan, Martin (21 May 2011). "Motherwell 0–3 Celtic". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2011.
86. ^ "Celtic's Neil Lennon, Gary Hooper and James Forrest win awards". BBC Sport. 9 December 2011. Archived from the original on 22 August 2019. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
87. ^ Fisher, Stewart (6 May 2012). "Title just the start for Lennon". Sunday Herald. Herald & Times Group. Archived from the original on 26 May 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
88. "Celtic shock Barcelona with goals from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt". The Guardian. 7 November 2012. Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
89. Lamont, Alasdair (5 December 2012). "Celtic 2–1 Spartak Moscow". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
90. Jeff Stelling (8 November 2012). "Celtic win over Barcelona compels Jeff Stelling to tackle a challenging problem". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
91. Jeff Stelling (6 December 2012). "Man City could learn a lot from Celtic's Champions League exploits". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
92. ^ Lamont, Alasdair (26 May 2013). "Scottish Cup final: Hibernian 0–3 Celtic". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 14 January 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2013.
93. "Barcelona, Milan, Ajax and Celtic drawn together". UEFA. 29 August 2013. Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
94. Lamont, Alasdair (22 October 2013). "Celtic 2 Ajax 1". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 10 March 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
95. Lamont, Alasdair (11 December 2013). "Barcelona 6 Celtic 1". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
96. "Celtic 0–1 Morton". BBC Sport. 24 September 2014. Archived from the original on 10 March 2014. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
97. MacDonald, Calum (8 February 2014). "Celtic 1 – 2 Aberdeen". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 17 March 2014.
98. ^ "Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 1: champion Hoops take home the trophy". Herald. 11 May 2014. Archived from the original on 9 November 2014. Retrieved 12 May 2014.
99. McLaughlin, Chris (22 May 2014). "Neil Lennon ends his four-year spell as manager". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 22 May 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2014.
100. "Neil Lennon: Bolton appoint ex-Celtic boss as manager". BBC Sport. 12 October 2014. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
101. "Birmingham 0–1 Bolton". BBC Sport. 18 October 2014. Archived from the original on 12 December 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
102. "Millwall 0 – 1 Bolton" (19 December 2014). BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 19 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
103. "Huddersfield 2 – 1 Bolton Wanderers Bolton". BBC Sport. 28 December 2014. Archived from the original on 30 December 2014. Retrieved 2 January 2015.
104. McNulty, Phil (5 February 2015). "Neil Lennon: Bolton boss angry with 'rubbish' referee Roger East". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 17 March 2016. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
105. Collins, Ben (5 June 2015). "Neil Lennon admits Bolton summer will be his toughest yet". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
106. Iles, Marc (18 April 2015). "Neil Lennon suspends Neil Danns and Barry Bannan 'indefinitely' after Bolton Wanderers hotel fracas". The Bolton News. Archived from the original on 8 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
107. "Bolton 0 – 1 Birmingham". BBC Sport. 2 May 2015. Archived from the original on 5 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
108. ^ Iles, Marc (19 October 2015). "I will turn this around, promises Bolton Wanderers boss Neil Lennon". The Bolton News. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
109. "Bolton Wanderers FC". Soccerway. Perform Group. Archived from the original on 7 October 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
110. "Neil Lennon: no guarantee if Bolton's players will be paid after Brentford draw". The Guardian. 30 November 2015. Archived from the original on 1 December 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
111. "Neil Lennon: Bolton Wanderers manager leaves by mutual consent". BBC Sport. 15 March 2016. Archived from the original on 31 May 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2016.
112. "Hibernian Appoint Neil Lennon". Hibernian F.C. 8 June 2016. Archived from the original on 11 June 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
113. "Neil Lennon is new manager at Hibernian". BBC Sport. 8 June 2016. Archived from the original on 8 June 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
114. ^ "Hibernian seal Championship title: Neil Lennon revels in 'heady days'". BBC Sport. 15 April 2017. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
115. "Hibernian: Neil Lennon commits his future to Easter Road club". BBC Sport. 7 September 2017. Archived from the original on 9 September 2017. Retrieved 7 September 2017.
116. English, Tom (14 May 2018). "Celtic canter to title glory but elsewhere it was a season of twists & turns". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 5 August 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
117. McLaughlin, Chris (26 January 2019). "Neil Lennon: Head coach suspended by club & unlikely to take charge again". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 30 January 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
118. "Neil Lennon: Hibs head coach officially leaves post by mutual consent". BBC Sport. 30 January 2019. Archived from the original on 30 January 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
119. "Celtic: Neil Lennon replaces Brendan Rodgers as manager". BBC Sport. 26 February 2019. Archived from the original on 26 February 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
120. "Celtic appoint Neil Lennon as manager for second time". BBC Sport. 31 May 2019. Archived from the original on 31 May 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2019.
121. "Board Statement".
122. ^ Murray, Ewan (18 January 2021). "Neil Lennon furious at Dubai criticism: 'You're all wanting blood, it's scandalous'". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
123. ""At least Mowbray knew when to go" – These Celtic fans cannot believe Neil Lennon is still in a job after humiliation vs St Mirren". 2 February 2021.
124. McDougall, Mark (1 February 2021). "Celtic fans stage Neil Lennon protest online as fans use same image to call for manager's exit". www.glasgowlive.co.uk. GlasgowLive.
125. "Neil Lennon: Celtic manager resigns with side 18 points adrift of Rangers". BBC Sport. 24 February 2021. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
126. "Lennon appointed Omonia Nicosia manager". BBC Sport.
127. "Neil Lennon first trophy with Omonia Nicosia sees former Celtic boss red carded after touchline meltdown". The Scotsman. 25 May 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
128. "Neil Lennon signs Adam Matthews as ex-Celtic star completes Omonia Nicosia transfer". Glasgow Live. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
129. "Neil Lennon secures Celtic reunion as Gary Hooper signs up for crack at Europa League with Omonia Nicosia". Football Scotland. 2 September 2022. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
130. "Καταρχήν συμφωνία με Brandon Barker" (in Greek). AC Omonoia. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
131. "Neil Lennon watches Cypriot Super Cup final turn into 'garbage dump' as ex-Celtic boss loses out". Glasgow Live. 13 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
132. "Neil Lennon leads Omonia to stunning European triumph as former Celtic boss leads Belgian heroics". Glasgow Live. 25 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
133. "Manchester United drawn with Neil Lennon's Omonoia in the Europa League". FourFourTwo. 26 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
134. "Διακοπή συνεργασίας με κ. Νιλ Λένον" [Termination of cooperation with Mr. Neil Lennon] (in Greek). AC Omonia. 18 October 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
135. Christie, David (24 February 2007). "Lennon's 'pride' over depression". The Herald. Archived from the original on 21 September 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
136. "Bank and Celtic boss Lennon's firm in court settlement". BBC News. 25 January 2009. Archived from the original on 10 March 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
137. McLean, David (19 February 2018). "Neil Lennon 'angry and sad' for friends abused by Barry Bennell". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
138. "Lurgan Celtic". Lower League Manager. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
139. "Neil Lennon managerial statistics". Soccerbase. CenturyComm. Archived from the original on 20 February 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
140. "Lennon realises dream to join his idols Celtic". The Daily Telegraph. 7 December 2000. Archived from the original on 21 September 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
141. ^ "Neil Lennon profile". NIFG. 28 January 2007. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
142. "Porto end Celtic's Uefa dream". 21 May 2003. Archived from the original on 5 May 2009. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
143. "Celtic champions & Hearts relegated after SPFL ends season". BBC Sport. 18 May 2020. Archived from the original on 18 May 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
144. Celtic win fourth straight Scottish Cup as Hazard's shootout saves break Hearts, Ewan Murray, The Guardian, 20 December 2020
145. "Rangers 0 – 1 Celtic". BBC Sport. 8 December 2019. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 9 December 2019.
146. Meikle, by Blair (25 May 2022). "Neil Lennon guides Omonia Nicosia to Cypriot Cup despite sending off". Football Scotland. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
147. Brodie, Malcolm (14 May 2001). "Lennon wins top award from Irish journalists". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
148. "Contrasting fortunes of men who wore No.7". The Herald (Glasgow). 15 May 2004. Archived from the original on 23 May 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2019.
149. ^ "Neil Lennon". Northern Ireland's Football Greats. Archived from the original on 19 October 2014. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
150. "Neil Lennon is manager of the year". SFWA. 6 June 2020. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
151. "Scotland's sporting heroes prepare themselves for a night of honour". Daily Record. 11 November 2012. Archived from the original on 10 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
152. "Monthly Awards – September 2010". cbfootball.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
153. "Monthly Awards – January 2011". cbfootball.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 5 March 2011.
154. "Neil Lennon: Hibernian boss named manager of month for October". BBC Sport. BBC. 7 November 2017. Archived from the original on 11 November 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2017.

External links

• Neil Lennon at Soccerbase
• Neil Lennon biography Northern Ireland Football Greats

• 1971 births
• Living people
• People from Lurgan
• People educated at St Michael's Grammar School, Lurgan
• Armagh Gaelic footballers
• Clan na Gael CLG Gaelic footballers
• Gaelic footballers who switched code
• Association footballers from Northern Ireland
• Association football midfielders
• Glenavon F.C. players
• Manchester City F.C. players
• Crewe Alexandra F.C. players
• Leicester City F.C. players
• Celtic F.C. players
• Nottingham Forest F.C. players
• Wycombe Wanderers F.C. players
• NIFL Premiership players
• English Football League players
• Premier League players
• Scottish Premier League players
• Northern Ireland under-21 international footballers
• Northern Ireland B international footballers
• Northern Ireland international footballers
• Football managers from Northern Ireland
• Celtic F.C. non-playing staff
• Celtic F.C. managers
• Bolton Wanderers F.C. managers
• Hibernian F.C. managers
• AC Omonia managers
• Scottish Premier League managers
• Scottish Professional Football League managers
• English Football League managers
• Expatriate football managers from Northern Ireland
• Expatriate football managers in Cyprus
• Expatriate sportspeople from Northern Ireland in Cyprus