Lennon Gloats as Rival Boss (9) Remains Unemployed

A few months ago under the tyranny and disappointment of Dougie Freedman's regime, many supporters probably quipped that 'a 9 year-old could do a bloody better job'.

One fan decided to take the matter into his own fans. Oak's Primary school pupil, Thomas Fielding, put pen to paper and applied for the then-vacant manager's position at Bolton Wanderers.

The letter included accurate analysis such as, 'Most of our players are unfit and overweight' and 'our players are not quick enough and we give the other team too much space to play in possession'.

Despite his strong arguments for his place in the Macron hot seat, Thomas was unsuccessful.

The club did at least have the decency to send him a rejection letter stating that the vacancy had been filled, but he couldn't have predicted what Bolton had in store for him.

Neil Lennon decided to pop down to Thornleigh school's sports hall where Thomas and his friends train for Oxford Grove Under 10's, signing autographs and offering advice on and off the pitch for the lads.

After watching the team train and be put through their paces, Lennon had nothing but praise for the letter he received -

"When I first read Thomas' letter I was really taken with it. It was very well thought out, very well written and I thought if all the nine year-olds in Bolton are this clever, I'm in big trouble.

"But I felt compelled to get in touch - Bolton obviously means a lot to him. His knowledge of the game is very good for someone so young."

It's not all bad news for Thomas, he did at least get featured on his school's 'Proud to be me' wall.

Neil Lennon is proving not just on the pitch why he is the right man for the position and is bringing back a wonderful community spirit to the club. Long may it continue.