Lennon leaving celtic

[Ric Flair]

Still Thracian's right. Leicester under MM must not be expected to be a feeding ground for players long past their prime. On the other hand I can see Lennon being interested in coaching more than a big wage packet. Probably all bullshit given the greediness of football players and agents.

You need to understand that at Portsmouth, Mandaric was very keen to get players seen as past their best for the top sides but good enough for teams like Portsmouth or Leicester. This WILL happen at Leicester.

[Thracian]

Thracian, as of this summer the following defensive midfielders we will have is as follows:

James Wesolowski

Tiatto, Johnson and Jarrett are all leaving.

Now, i'm with you on the optimism for Wesolowski to be the main man next season, but you have been one of the most cautious with Weso on his injuries. 5 games later and you forget that he might not last all of next season? So what happens then, you advocate for Teejay or Square bob to come in and play there?

I empathise with your frustration for the types of midfielders we've had at Leicester in recent years, but they are leaving this summer and we still require two midfielders who are capable of breaking up play and sitting in the middle protecting things. Wesolowski will be one of those and given he's fairly injury prone we need another one who's experienced to help him out.

We also need two attacking midfielders and two new wingers, something to wet your bell.

I think Teejay's left, which is a pity, but if Porter's not suited to deep central midfield where I've seen him play really well and a seemingly revived Hughes cannot do the job then I'd still rather sign a fast, fit, defensive midfielder than another Johnson, Tiatto or an ageing Lennon.

Tiatto was a great example this season of what I mean. He's a couple of years younger than Lennon and I was against signing him cos he wouldn't last the pace. He didn't. He missed close to half the matches through injury, suspension or just not being able to get beyond 60 minutes.

Why take unnecessary risks?

He certainly doesn't fulfil my criteria of being likely to improve or having a sell-on value.

[MBK]

You need to understand that at Portsmouth, Mandaric was very keen to get players seen as past their best for the top sides but good enough for teams like Portsmouth or Leicester. This WILL happen at Leicester.

Yes but not just any players past their best. Ignore Sheringham, you'd still find those players may have lost an ounce of pace and wouldn't last the whole match but would still have the 1. technique 2. passion to play the game 3. ability to read and dictate play. Pace is not everything in a player; Tugay, Speed, Corini and Hammond are prime examples.

[Manwell Pablo]

I've read enough on Celtic fan sites to form a judgement and there's the world of difference between the relatively comfortable seasons for Celtic in Scottish football and the constant hussle and bustle of Championship football.

Every player has his time and I'd well imagine Lennon's had hisfrom what's been said - and knows it underneath. Otherwise why would he be on his way out of Celtic?

It really depresses to think that so many fans still want to bog our team down with past-it footballers. It's as bad as the constant and unfounded warnings about the risks of using youngsters.

Modern football is nothing if not frenetic. It is a game for the fit and the fast.

Some older players like Giggs, Neville and Scholes remain fit and fast enough. But I doubt Lennon will prove to be in that category.

Well you'd of read that Louis Dodds has a lot of improving to do to become a good striker at League Two level if you've been reading the Rochdale fan sites but then as usual your only willing to take someone elses opinion into account if it backs up your own.

Because I would imagine he wants to leave while he's still got something left in the tank, and maybe he isn't quite up to performing ona European level any more, thats not to say he isn't capable in this division which is a million miles away from Old Trafford or the San Siro.

You need to wake up mate, we'll be lucky to get him, I bet he gets a years playing deal in the Premier League.

[Lord Nibblington]

Why take unnecessary risks?

He certainly doesn't fulfil my criteria of being likely to improve or having a sell-on value.

Not every player we sign this summer needs to fit those two criteria. It does make perfect sense to sign one or two players who can help out and do a job for a season, as long as their current ability is good enough.

I mean, using your criteria for signing a player, Man U never should have signed Edwin Van der Saar. No sell on value there, and he's already at his peak...

[Master Fox]

Thracian, as of this summer the following defensive midfielders we will have is as follows:

James Wesolowski

Tiatto, Johnson and Jarrett are all leaving.

Now, i'm with you on the optimism for Wesolowski to be the main man next season, but you have been one of the most cautious with Weso on his injuries. 5 games later and you forget that he might not last all of next season? So what happens then, you advocate for Teejay or Square bob to come in and play there?

I empathise with your frustration for the types of midfielders we've had at Leicester in recent years, but they are leaving this summer and we still require two midfielders who are capable of breaking up play and sitting in the middle protecting things. Wesolowski will be one of those and given he's fairly injury prone we need another one who's experienced to help him out.

We also need two attacking midfielders and two new wingers, something to wet your bell.

Are you suggesting that Lennon could possibly be used as a back up midfielder?

[Manwell Pablo]

I think Teejay's left, which is a pity, but if Porter's not suited to deep central midfield where I've seen him play really well and a seemingly revived Hughes cannot do the job then I'd still rather sign a fast, fit, defensive midfielder than another Johnson, Tiatto or an ageing Lennon. Tiatto was a great example this season of what I mean. He's a couple of years younger than Lennon and I was against signing him cos he wouldn't last the pace. He didn't. He missed close to half the matches through injury, suspension or just not being able to get beyond 60 minutes.

Why take unnecessary risks?

He certainly doesn't fulfil my criteria of being likely to improve or having a sell-on value.

Yes and I'd like us to sign a fit fast striker thats good in the air and can finish but unfortuantely WE'RE ON A ****ING BUDGET!

[Ric Flair]

I think Teejay's left, which is a pity, but if Porter's not suited to deep central midfield where I've seen him play really well and a seemingly revived Hughes cannot do the job then I'd still rather sign a fast, fit, defensive midfielder than another Johnson, Tiatto or an ageing Lennon.

Tiatto was a great example this season of what I mean. He's a couple of years younger than Lennon and I was against signing him cos he wouldn't last the pace. He didn't. He missed close to half the matches through injury, suspension or just not being able to get beyond 60 minutes.

Why take unnecessary risks?

He certainly doesn't fulfil my criteria of being likely to improve or having a sell-on value.

If we can get a better defensive midfielder than Lennon in the summer then i'm all for it, I would like to see where the more talented players than Lennon are going to come from as back-up/contention for Wesolowski.

[Thracian]

Well you'd of read that Louis Dodds has a lot of improving to do to become a good striker at League Two level if you've been reading the Rochdale fan sites but then as usual your only willing to take someone elses opinion into account if it backs up your own.

Because I would imagine he wants to leave while he's still got something left in the tank, and maybe he isn't quite up to performing ona European level any more, thats not to say he isn't capable in this division which is a million miles away from Old Trafford or the San Siro.

You need to wake up mate, we'll be lucky to get him, I bet he gets a years playing deal in the Premier League.

Umm. We'll wait to see what Rochdale think about Dodds.

But that's not really the issue. I hope he gets his year in the Premiership as you suggest. Far rather that than us wasting valuable wages.

See you at the end of next season for the verdict on who needs to wake up!.

[London_Fox]

As it happens I think Lennon will deteriorate fast as a player and won't be anything like we remember him. But that's not my main concern.

My point is that while the likes of Merson and Sheringham were/are guileful attackers, Lennon is another defensive midfielder. We don't need another. I am sick of defensive midfielders. It seems we have an obsession with defensive midfielders and I'd be happy to put an embargo on signing the breed, and especially if they're over 25.

Generally speaking Lise is spot on - signing former players is much more likely to end in tears of woe than happiness.

But I don't want our attention diverted anymore. I want us focused on signing players who can attack.

I just don't understand this. We do need another defensive midfielder because come the summer we will only have one and he's been somewhat injury prone. I don't think anyone is disputing that Weso is the future but maybe not having anyone to cover for him or playing in the same position is somewhat daft, if he get's injured or suspended (as defensive midfielders occasionally do) then we've got no-one. I think everyone agrees that we should sign attacking players too (we're missing a creative midfielder, a goalscorer, some exciting wingers etc) but that doesn't mean not making other elements of the team stronger too, surely?

It seems like the split is based around is Lennon good enough? Seems to me that the answer is yes with little proof to suggest otherwise other then he might deteriorate. And the second question is, should we bring back former players? Clearly if they are good enough then the answer is yes, if not then no. It's not looking backwards to sign a quality player because he used to play for us. I imagine most people who say that would also have MON back in a flash. Heskey as an example would be quality in this division and we should jump at the chance (if it ever came up) to sign him.

Finally people need to start getting used to the idea that under MM we won't just build up our youngsters and take time to get up to the premiership. We will be signing today's equivalents of Merson, Stone, Sheringham, Sherwood and the like to go alongside our youngsters. Football hasn't changed that much since Pompey got promoted and neither will have MM's strategy. We can expect to be looking at people like Neil Lennon, Robbie Fowler, Patrick Berger (if MON decides to let him go) and the like. 30 year old plus players from mid table premiership sides.

[Ric Flair]

Are you suggesting that Lennon could possibly be used as a back up midfielder?

If that's what our manager would want from him and Lennon would want to be used in that role, should he also be a coach here. I do however believe that Neil Lennon is good enough to play 40+ games in this league next season and to play them very well indeed.

[Master Fox]

If that's what our manager would want from him and Lennon would want to be used in that role, should he also be a coach here. I do however believe that Neil Lennon is good enough to play 40+ games in this league next season and to play them very well indeed.

I'm sure you're right.

[London_Fox]

Tiatto was a great example this season of what I mean. He's a couple of years younger than Lennon and I was against signing him cos he wouldn't last the pace. He didn't. He missed close to half the matches through injury, suspension or just not being able to get beyond 60 minutes.

So did Weso! It's a tough position to play in so surely it makes sense having two players who can do the job in that position.

[OriginalRobboFOX]

To be honest, I can see Neil Neil Neil Neil Lennon doing a job for us next season. Granted, I very much doubt he'd figure in every game and he may have lost a yard or two of pace but whenever I've seen him play he has got so much determination to win and he inspires others in the team to do well....

Its like Steve Guppy, if he was having a shit game, Lennon would let him know about it and Stevey G would up it a little. Thats what we need in this team and he may be the one that can bring Weso on a bit too. Im all for it as long as we have the neccessary back up should injuries, suspensions, fitness worries occur....

[Jimmy]

fella but thats not what I am saying! Having Heskey tomorrow is different from having him in 2 or 3 years. The point I was making was that people get so engrossed in the old days that regardless of what age/form/current ability of one of our former players is, they want them back! There arent many players who have gone back to the club where they made there name and have done just as well as before. Infact, I cant think of any!

The people who are stuck in the past need to move on and only remember the players that have done well for us with fondness and not look at bringing back every player that featured during the MOM era.

mark hughes a had 2 spells with united as rush did with liverpool

[Manwell Pablo]

mark hughes a had 2 spells with united as rush did with liverpool

For the games he's played Fowlers goal return for Liverpool is far from that of a faliure as well.

[Jimmy]

For the games he's played Fowlers goal return for Liverpool is far from that of a faliure as well.

thats true, but the 2 i picked out were frontline strikers scoring loads in both spells.

theres alo something to be said for the effect it has on the crowd when a fans fave returns and plays, anfield always gets louder if/when fowler players/comes off the bench because he is an absolute legend there

[Manwell Pablo]

I can actually think of loads of players that have gone back to their old clubs up and down the leagues and in Europe and played well but I wont bore you all.

[The People's Hero]

Lennon could cut it in the Championship.. there is no doubt about that.

Shame on anyone who doubts him.

[Thracian]

Not every player we sign this summer needs to fit those two criteria. It does make perfect sense to sign one or two players who can help out and do a job for a season, as long as their current ability is good enough.

I mean, using your criteria for signing a player, Man U never should have signed Edwin Van der Saar. No sell on value there, and he's already at his peak...

If Leicester were going to spend good money on an old-timer I would far rather it was Van der Saar than Lennon. But goalkeeper's are a special case anyway. They don't have to go charging round the pitch and you get the continued benefit of their experience without any great risks of them not playing/finishing enough games. Neville Southall comes to mind among many others.

[Thracian]

Lennon could cut it in the Championship.. there is no doubt about that.

Shame on anyone who doubts him.

That clinches the argument for me. I'll stick, thanks!.

[Lord Nibblington]

If Leicester were going to spend good money on an old-timer I would far rather it was Van der Saar than Lennon. But goalkeeper's are a special case anyway. They don't have to go charging round the pitch and you get the continued benefit of their experience without any great risks of them not playing/finishing enough games. Neville Southall comes to mind among many others.

Yup, because every old timer can't play a full season. Nevermind the fact that Lennon's played about 40 games this season. The fact remains, there is value at times to signing an older, high quality player, and frankly, I can't really see where you're justifying the arguement that Lennon is not cut out for the Championship.

As I've said, if signing Lennon would completely destroy our budget for the summer, I don't think it's worth it. But I really don't think that's the case.

[The People's Hero]

Yup, because every old timer can't play a full season. Nevermind the fact that Lennon's played about 40 games this season. The fact remains, there is value at times to signing an older, high quality player, and frankly, I can't really see where you're justifying the arguement that Lennon is not cut out for the Championship.

As I've said, if signing Lennon would completely destroy our budget for the summer, I don't think it's worth it. But I really don't think that's the case.

Absolutely spot on.

Neil Lennon is a classy, gritty performer. He's the kind of player where personal pride would not allow him to commit to playing at a level if he couldn't manage it... he really would not give less than 100%. Remember, this is a man who stood tall and played on at a fantastic level due to huge amounts of press attention/support/scrutiny/criticism over the sectarian issue.

Look at some of the players playing in this division. For anyone to suggest that Neil Lennon could not play 30+ games and perform to his usual standard in this division, quite frankly is ridiculous as they have NOTHING to base it on other than their expectations/experiences of players of completely different type, nature, personality and calibre.

Neil Lennon would not dissappoint. The intellect of a lot of LCFC fans however, does.

[The People's Hero]

That clinches the argument for me. I'll stick, thanks!.

Yeah, well, we all know why you don't like him.

[London_Fox]

If Leicester were going to spend good money on an old-timer I would far rather it was Van der Saar than Lennon. But goalkeeper's are a special case anyway. They don't have to go charging round the pitch and you get the continued benefit of their experience without any great risks of them not playing/finishing enough games. Neville Southall comes to mind among many others.

Even if Lennon's legs do start to go he is smart enough and good enough to adapt his game. Keane started to go in his last season and a half at Man Utd so adapted his game accordingly and still did a fantastic job for them.

Is this negativity towards Lennon based on a desire to see Weso play every game in the blind hope he won't get injured/suspended at all?

The key question if you didn't want Lennon would have to be:

Who would you have in that role (either instead of or as back up to Weso)?