NEW Bolton Wanderers boss Neil Lennon has the “track record” to steer the team back in to the Premier League, according to fans.

The appointment of the former Celtic manager was met with overwhelming support from many of the club’s loyal supporters.

The Northern Irishman, who met the players for the first time yesterday, has taken over the top spot from Dougie Freedman who left the Macron Stadium two weeks ago “by mutual consent”.

Frank Coward, aged 83, of Skelwith Avenue, Great Lever, said: “I think it’s fantastic news. Neil Lennon has a proven track record of success.

“He was a great player and seems like a strong personality, which is what you need.

“He has the know how to bring us back to where we belong.”

Fredrick Brown, aged 77, of Crompton Way, Tonge Moor, said: “I think they have got a good replacement there. From what I have read about him he has got a good background so he’s an excellent choice.”

David Stenhouse, aged 37, of School Hill, Heaton, said: “He’s a good manager so if anyone is going to do it then it should be him. He has the credentials.

“But only time will tell if he makes the grade. I really hope he will.

“The Premier League is where the club should be.”

The club is currently at the bottom of the Championship with just five points, leaving many fans frustrated.

Tracie Carter, from Deane, is pleased with the new appointment, but thinks that club chairman Phil Gartside should be next to go. Mrs Carter, aged 38, said: “I think he’ll be a great manager because he’s a bit like Sam Allardyce, he won’t take any messing from the players, which I think will be a good thing."

Season ticket holder Kieron Sumner, aged 33, who lives in Darwen, believes that not all the failures of the club lie with Freedman.

He said: “I know that a lot of fans blame the previous manager but I think there’s a lot going on behind closed doors that we don’t know about.

“I think Lennon is a good appointment for us. He did a grand job at Celtic and he is the kind of manager that we need right now.

“But before we get ahead of ourselves it’s going to take time before we think about moving back up to the Premier League. Our first aim is to stay in the Championship.”

Bolton singer-songwriter Laura White, who made it to the finals of The X Factor in 2008 and has penned tracks for the likes of Rihanna, Eliza Doolittle, Cher Lloyd and Leona Lewis, said: “It’s great news about the Neil Lennon appointment. There are exciting times ahead. Good luck all the way from London, love you BWFC.”