Born on 25th June 1971 in N. Ireland, the renowned Neil Lennon and his commanding presence on the football pitch has been something of a delight to the fans. Primarily known for his role as a central defensive midfielder, Lennon standing at 1.75m (5ft 8in) and weighing 83kg (13 st) was a force to be reckoned with.
His professional career took flight in July 1987 when he joined Manchester City as a trainee. However, it was not until his transfer to Crewe Alexandra in July 1990 that he started to make a notable impact, delivering consistent performances that spanned across several seasons.
February 1996 brought another change of scenery for Lennon when he was transferred to Premier League's Leicester City for around £750k. He valiantly graced the pitch, making significant contributions across the seasons, with a stable presence in the heart of the midfield.
However, the most endeared part of Lennon's career, at least as observed by this writer and his audience, was his magnificent spell at Celtic. A price tag of around £6m saw him don the famous green and white hoops in December 2000. His seven-year tenure was marked by consistent performances, a robust midfield presence and leadership that became synonymous with Celtic during those years. His defensive abilities, while not the most glamorous aspect of the beautiful game, provided the solid foundation upon which Celtic's attacking forces could build. He brought not only steel and decision in the centre of the pitch but also an embodiment of the Celtic spirit - fierce, loyal, and unfaltering.
He then moved onto Nottingham Forest in June 2007 and later to Wycombe Wanderers in January 2008, offering his services and footballing finesse to their endeavours. However, his legacy was undoubtedly built during his time at Celtic, leaving a positive and lasting impression on all who cherish the club.
