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Neil Lennon back at Windsor Park
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
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Neil Lennon is readying himself for an amazing return to Windsor Park.
The former Northern Ireland midfielder last night emerged as the frontrunner to take over the manager’s job at League One club Stockport County — and if he is the man they name as the new boss tomorrow then he will be Belfast bound in just over three weeks time.
Lennon has made many low-key visits to Belfast since he last played for Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in June 2001. Indeed he completed his UEFA ‘A’ Licence coaching qualification under the Irish FA’s guidance last month.
He hasn’t however, visited the international stadium since a death threat just hours before he was due to captain Northern Ireland against Cyprus in August 2002 ended his international career.
Stockport’s final pre-season will be against Linfield on Saturday August 1; a testimonial game for former Blues striker Glenn Ferguson, who ironically made his only international start on the night that Lennon was jeered by Northern Ireland fans during a match against Norway, just a matter of weeks after he signed for Celtic.
Peter Thompson — who left the Blues for Stockport this time last year — had been expected to be the star attraction on Ferguson’s big day, but he may well now be overshadowed by Lennon.
Lennon will meet with Stockport County yesterday and with the club poised to come out of administration within the next 24 hours, they have pinpointed Wednesday as the day when they will announce who the new manager will be.
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Hopefully this will come about and maybe just maybe help Lennon forgive the sad minority who helped lose us a very inspirational player
Posted by Jon | 10.07.09, 09:17 GMT
people are quick to remind us about abusive chants made to lennon...but do they remember he was the one caught on camera singing the sectarian songs
Posted by andy b/clare | 09.07.09, 08:35 GMT
neil is staying put at Celtic the greatest club in the world so thisn article is irrevelant.
Posted by sean | 08.07.09, 13:08 GMT
Oh listen to Tony ......wow man you must have amazing insight to irish league and international soccer.To think before i read your rants I never knew the only local soccer team who were bigots are Linfield and the only national team with a sectarian/racist problem are Norn Irn . Man get yourself a life!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Jim Bennett | 08.07.09, 10:50 GMT
As a long time Linfield and Ranger fan i wish i could be there. a hearty welcome to you mr. Lennon.
Posted by billy | 08.07.09, 00:13 GMT
Would be great to see him back at Windsor. Good ambassador for Soccer in Ulster & beyond.
Posted by Dave | 08.07.09, 00:03 GMT
tony you are OBsEssed... get a life mate.
Posted by boredwithtonysrantsaboutifa | 07.07.09, 11:51 GMT
Oh I definately be buying a ticket for this match now as I love both Neil Lennon and Linfield.
Posted by Aaron | 07.07.09, 11:22 GMT
The article said he was jeered in his last match!! Not a very warm welcome...
Posted by Tom | 07.07.09, 11:12 GMT
As someone who once pulled on the famous Northern Ireland jersey, I'm sure he'll receive a warm welcome.
Posted by mick | 07.07.09, 09:48 GMT
Although I would prefer Neil to remain with Celtic, if he does return to Windsor Park it will be an acid test for the allegedly non sectarian Linfield/IFA supporters.
I suppose they'll all get OBEs if they behave themselves
Posted by Tony | 07.07.09, 09:31 GMT