WANDERERS have called on Celtic warrior Neil Lennon to revive their fortunes in the Championship.

Talks with the former Northern Ireland international, revealed on Friday, continued over the weekend and the formalities of a three-year deal were completed yesterday.

Wanderers spoke with a handful of big names, including Chris Hughton, Steve Clarke, Malky Mackay and Tony Mowbray but opted for Lennon despite his lack of experience in Championship football.

Lennon’s only managerial role so far came North of the Border in four years at Glasgow Celtic, where he won three league titles and two Scottish Cups.

Since leaving Parkhead in May he has been linked with a number of jobs, including that of Championship rivals Cardiff City and Fulham, but almost from the moment his interest in the Bolton post became public knowledge, he was installed as the favourite by most bookmakers, many of whom had closed the book by yesterday afternoon.

Phil Gartside, Brett Warbuton and Eddie Davies are believed to be impressed with the way the Northern Irishman came over in his interview, and his plans to reenergise a club that had slumped during the final days of Dougie Freedman’s reign.

Speaking recently, Lennon admitted he was ready to return to work nearly four months after leaving Glasgow – and that he would relish the chance to work in the second tier.

“I’ve had a nice break and feel I have a lot to offer,” he said. “I’ve been pretty successful at Celtic so I’m looking for a new challenge.

“Where that takes me I don’t know. I’d have no hesitation in working in the English Championship.”

Lennon worked with former Sweden international Johan Mjallby at Celtic and also had ex-Nottingham Forest midfielder Garry Parker as his first team coach. Both have now been confirmed by Bolton.

While news of his appointment has been largely welcomed by supporters, the situation that the 43-year-old steps into at the Macron Stadium is a challenging one, to say the very least.

The Championship table makes poor reading, with Wanderers five points adrift of safety with just 10 games played.

Lennon must also try to unite an unhappy fan-base who despite settling their differences with previous manager Dougie Freedman, look set to continue their calls for chairman Phil Gartside to resign.

It is understood that a limited amount of finances will be made available for new signings in January but that the loan market will again be the club’s main route for fresh blood.