Neil Lennon has been confirmed as the new manager of Bolton Wanderers. Rumours that the former Celtic boss was in line to take up the position left vacant by Dougie Freedman's departure emerged over the weekend and they have now been confirmed by the club.
#BWFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Lennon as the club's new manager. #WelcomeNeilpic.twitter.com/XTOrLJwGx0
— Bolton Wanderers FC (@OfficialBWFC) October 12, 2014
The club have also also confirmed that two of Lennon's coaching staff from his time at Celtic, Garry Parker and Johan Mjallby will join as first team coach and assistant manager respectively.
A statement on the club's website stated that Lennon beat out a number of high profile applicants to for a job which will require Lennon to guide a team who have continually under-performed since their relegation to the Championship in 2012.
The extensive list of high calibre applicants demonstrated how those candidates viewed the opportunity to manage the club, even in its present position at the bottom of the Championship table.Following a process of first and second interviews with a shortlist of initial candidates, a unanimous decision was taken by Eddie Davies, Brett Warburton and Phil Gartside.The club are delighted and excited to appoint Neil Lennon. He brings with him experience at the highest level and an infectious enthusiasm to take the club forward.He will officially take charge of the Bolton Wanderers team from Monday morning in the run up to our upcoming game away at Birmingham City.
