HAD Neil Lennon had a yard more pace as a youngster, his last stay in the North West might well have proved a longer one.

Times have changed somewhat since a 16-year-old Lennon packed his bags in Northern Ireland – where he had already played professionally for Glenavon – to chance his arm at Manchester City.

There he was placed under the tutelage of Blues legend Tony Book, who recalls how the youngster’s stubbornness, and his desire to play at right-back eventually cost him a chance to stay on at Maine Road.

Lennon made only one senior appearance for City, at right-back, and coincidentally against Birmingham, the team he will face as manager of Wanderers for the first time on Saturday.

Former youth team coach Book, now retired from the game, kept track of his former charge, who found a new lease of life down the road at Crewe before moving on to success and silverware with Leicester City and Celtic.

“I remember Neil really well,” he said.

“He was one of three Irish lads there together, Michael Hughes and Gerry Taggart being the other two. Neil was always a good footballer but he lacked a bit of pace.

“We never shifted him at all because he always wanted to be a full-back. In the end we let him go and he proved us wrong. He went to Crewe where Dario Gradi moved him from right-back into central midfield. And you have got to give Dario credit for that.

“Neil seemed to have more time in that position and his lack of pace never showed up. He did well for himself and I was pleased how well he developed. I always said to the kids when I had to let them leave: 'go away and prove me wrong.' And he was one that did.”

Lennon is also looking keen to reacquaint himself with the area, which has – like his former club City – changed considerably since his last residence.

“I came to Manchester when I was 16 and it opened my eyes; not just football-wise but life-wise – different cultures, different walks of life you wouldn't be introduced to back home,” he explained.

“I used to get the bus down Stockport Road and have to walk through Rusholme and Moss Side and for a young Irish boy it was a culture shock to say the least.

“Tony Book was a Man City legend, Glyn Pardoe too. I got a footballing education that gave me a platform for the whole of my career.

"They taught me really good habits and we were really successful at youth level. That team with Paul Lake, Steve Redmond, Andy Hinchcliffe, Ian Brightwell all went on to have spectacular careers with Manchester City’s first team.

“A couple of years later there was myself, Gerry Taggart, Michael Hughes, Ashley Ward and Mike Sheron and we went on to have decent careers at club and international level. They were magical times.”

Lennon arrived in Bolton this week to huge media attention, with a plush stadium and training centre to work at, and no doubt a little better financial reward than the last time he worked in these parts.

“I’d clean the boots and get the kit ready for the first team,” he recalled.

“I used to clean Eric Nixon's boots and if they weren't cleaned properly I’d get a thump in the arm and told do them again properly. I’d also make the tea – just magical days!

“I got £28.50 and I thought I was rich.”