Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink never doubted Neil Lennon’s ability to become a top class manager.
Twelve months after turning around a 15 point gap on Ally McCoist’s rampant Rangers side the hoops boss is mixing it in the Champions League and earning the respect of his peers.
Celtic’s thrilling 3-2 win away to Spartak Moscow has changed the entire landscape of the club and was followed up with an impressive but ultimately unfortunate display in the Nou Camp.
Vennegoor of Hesselink played with Lennon under Gordon Strachan and remembers the impact his return had in the spring of 2008 as the SPL title started to slip away.
Lennon had the uncomfortable task of replacing Tommy Burns in the dug-out and training pitch but at the end of the season it was the Dutchman who kicked off spectacular celebrations with the title winning goal at Tannadice.
“I knew when he came back as a coach in 2008 that he would grow into the job,” Vennegoor of Hesselink admitted. “And he did it very quickly.
“When Neil came back a lot was going on. Gordon took Lenny in to try and get everyone focused as we tried to win the title.
“It wasn’t the case that Lenny was standing in the dressing room telling everyone what to do. It was done in a more natural way.
“He just came in and took a player under his wing if it was needed. It wasn’t done in a forceful way.
“When we went on to win the title it was a little bit special. You can never prove that Lenny coming in made a massive difference — but it turned out great.”
Vennegoor of Hesselink added: “Neil on the pitch, as a player or as a manager, is passionate. Off the pitch he is very rational.
“You can talk with him and he’s very open-minded. He knows what he’s talking about, he’s not just shooting words in the air.
“I played with him and he was my coach and I enjoyed working with him. He taught me a bit about what it means to play for Celtic.
“Neil was a great player and now he is turning into a great manager.”
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Always liked big Jan
Yeah his last season let him down but I thought he ws a gr8 player 4 us – was even more satisfying that jabba ws convinced no club in scotland cud afford 2 buy such a high profile player & openly ridiculed it b4 he ws signed!!! Fanny!!