Burnden Aces

Lennon Surprises Oxford Grove U10s Training Session

• November 20, 2014 | By Chris Mann
• Short URL: http://b-ac.es/79d90

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• Neil Lennon, Oxford Grove
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• See Also

• Bolton Appoint Neil Lennon as Manager

Neil Lennon faced competition in his quest to become Bolton manager last month, in the form of nine-year-old schoolboy Thomas Fielding.

Following Wanderers' decision to axe Dougie Freedman as the club's first-team boss, interested parties sent their applications in to chairman Phil Gartside.

One of the letters received turned out to be from young Thomas, who was paid a special surprise visit by Lennon on Wednesday evening, as he trained with his Oxford Grove under-10s team.

Lennon spent time posing for photographs and signing autographs with the children, before presenting Thomas with a signed 'Oxford Grove 10' replica shirt.

Speaking to the club's official website, Lennon joked that he was fortunate to fill the position after seeing off such healthy competition.

"It's a great little story, " Lennon said. "His letter was very similar to the one I sent in - it's just his had better handwriting!

"But on a serious note, it was great to be out in the local community and to see the people of Bolton.

"I was made to feel very welcome by all at Oxford Grove and it was a real pleasure to meet Thomas and his family.

"We of course thank them for their support."

Here's the letter 9-year-old Thomas Fielding sent to #BWFC in application for the manager's job. pic.twitter.com/OFUdoSOrmY

— Bolton Wanderers FC (@OfficialBWFC) November 19, 2014

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