Former England striker Emile Heskey says he always knew that Neil Lennon would go on to be a manager.
The forward played with the Celtic boss at Leicester City and says that he was one of the moaniest players he ever came across. But Lennon’s fire helped him to become one of the best midfielders in the English top-flight according to Heskey, as he compared him to the likes of Roy Keane and Patrick Viera.
“He was without doubt the biggest moaner I played with,” Heskey told the Belfast Telegraph. “I knew he would go on to be a manager. He was an organiser, he was aggressive and he just wanted it more than anyone else.
“He was our heartbeat, the engine of the side, who just won the ball and kept it moving. At that time, the two best midfielders in English football were Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
“Right behind them, and on his day level with them, was Lenny. I’m not sure he got the appreciation he deserved, but ask his team-mates, ask the Leicester fans and they will tell you how important he was.
“Lenny was an exceptional footballer, and he’s proven himself to be a successful manager too; winning trophies at Celtic, working effectively in a difficult role at Bolton and, more recently, having some success with Hibernian.”
Heskey had some nice things to say about Lennon
Heskey’s comments on Lennon not getting the appreciation he deserved as a player could arguably apply to his role as a manager too. The Hoops boss is often labelled simply as a man motivator but he’s shown he has other sides to his management game.
Lennon has made a few well documented mistakes so far this season, but he’s also got lots of things spot on. Take his approach at Ibrox for example. The Northern Irishman set up his team perfectly for the derby clash against Rangers and completely schooled Steven Gerrard on the day.
He has shown that he can also set up teams well in Europe in the past, something his predecessor Brendan Rodgers failed badly with. The next six Europa League matches should be another good learning curve for Lennon who will still be developing as a manager.
He can show once again that he’s more tactically astute than some make out. Starting against Rennes on Thursday night.
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