EIDUR’S HERE FOR PLAY NOT FOR PAY!
THEY say you should never go back, but Neil Lennon believes the return of club legend Eidur Gudjohnsen to Bolton will prove to be the exception.
Gudjohnsen, pictured, last played for the Trotters 14 years ago before turning out for clubs such as Chelsea, Barcelona and Tottenham.
But the 36-year-old has returned to the Macron Stadium following his release by Belgian side Club Brugge and manager Lennon is adamant that the Icelandic striker will help the club on and off the pitch.
“I don't think we've enough experienced players who’ve played at the top level before,” said Lennon.
“Whether that’s important in the Championship or our current position, we will see, but I feel if you’ve got a player like Eidur coming in, it will only lift the players.
“He knows the club and environment and he’s still getting used to the pace of the game. But his experience and professionalism should rub off on the rest.”
Gudjohnsen has signed a deal until the end of the season and in the short-term will try to help Bolton haul themselves clear of the Championship relegation zone.
When Sam Allardyce was at the helm at the turn of the century, Bolton brought in a number of experienced, high-profile stars, such as Fernando Hierro, Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff.
Lennon believes the Gudjohnsen signing could work out just as well.
“I’m not making comparisons, but Sam did it with Okocha and Hierro and people who thought maybe their careers were coming to an end,” he said.
“Sam gave them a new lease of life and they turned out to be pretty good players for Bolton.
“It’s not a question of us giving these guys a pay day for 18 months. Eidur’s coming here to make a
contribution.”