Neil Lennon Reveals the Transfer Near-Misses That Got Away at Celtic | OneFootball

Neil Lennon has been speaking about the trio of high-profile transfers that famously fell through during his first spell as Celtic manager, admitting that the collapse of deals for Sol Campbell, David James, and Jimmy Bullard still lingers in his memory…

Celtic Manager Neil Lennon celebrates with his team after winning the Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Motherwell at Hampden Park on May 21, 2011 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Appointed Celtic boss in 2010, Lennon was keen to make a statement in the transfer market as part of a squad rebuild following the departure of key figures like Artur Boruc. Former Liverpool and England goalkeeper David James was lined up as Boruc’s replacement, while Arsenal legend Sol Campbell and charismatic midfielder Jimmy Bullard were also targeted to bring experience and personality to the dressing room.

Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins in action against Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Portsmouth at St James’ Park on April 27, 2009 in Newcastle. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

David James of England directs his defence during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between England and Algeria at Green Point Stadium on June 18, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

But despite personal meetings and intense club efforts to roll out the red carpet, none of the three deals materialised.

“We didn’t get any of them! Did I speak to all three? Yeah!” the former Celtic revealed during his appearance on Open Goal. “I don’t know what it was with Sol. I think he went to Newcastle.”

Jimmy Bullard of Hull celebrates after scoring during the Premier League match between Hull City and Fulham at the KC Stadium on March 27, 2010. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Bullard’s collapse, however, was the most dramatic. Lennon recalled an elaborate charm offensive to woo the then-Hull City playmaker, including luxury golf outings and a VIP tour of Celtic Park.

“We did the whole spiel with Jimmy. Met him in Portugal, then met him at Loch Lomond… showed him around the stadium. He said, ‘I’ve had a brilliant day, blinding day. I just need to go home and think about it.’”

What followed was a last-minute phone call from Bullard’s father that ended the deal over a wage disagreement. Despite the club making a “huge contribution” toward the proposed loan, Bullard’s camp pushed for more, a move Lennon believes the player now regrets.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon holds the Scottish Cup aloft after victory in the final between Celtic and Motherwell at Hampden Park on May 21, 2011. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

“He was just asking for too much money. And he regrets it. He was a good player and would have brought a bit of personality to the club as well.”

Now managing Dunfermline Athletic, Lennon can reflect with humour on the near-misses, but there’s little doubt all three names would have added significant quality and profile to his Celtic project.

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