- The state of the club when Lennon took over
- The transformation under his leadership
- In-depth profiles of the top five players
- The key moments these players delivered
- Honourable mentions and squad depth
- The legacy of Lennon’s first era
- A hypothetical Best XI from his time
This is a long read for the true Celtic faithful — let’s go all in.
🟢 Chapter 1: The Rebuild Begins – Lennon Takes the Reins
When Neil Lennon took permanent charge of Celtic in the summer of 2010, the club was in a period of uncertainty. The Tony Mowbray era had ended in disarray, with Celtic suffering some embarrassing defeats, including a 4-0 loss to St Mirren. Lennon had stepped in as caretaker, won 8 league games in a row, and steadied the ship.
He was young, passionate, and completely immersed in the club’s identity, having served Celtic with distinction as a player. But this was a massive challenge. Rangers, under Walter Smith, were strong. Celtic needed new leadership, new energy, and a revamped squad.
In his first full season, Lennon brought in a host of new players — many unknown to the wider football world — and slowly but surely, he built a squad that brought Celtic back to domestic glory and made headlines in Europe.
⚽ Chapter 2: The Top Five Players of Lennon’s First Era (In Full Detail)
⭐ 5. Fraser Forster – The Great Wall Between the Sticks
Position: Goalkeeper
Joined: Initially on loan (2010–12), signed permanently in 2012
Appearances (first spell): 197
Clean Sheets: Over 100
Scottish Record: 1,256 minutes without conceding in the league
Fraser Forster was an imposing presence in goal — and his arrival from Newcastle was a turning point. Initially a short-term solution, his performances quickly made it clear he was a long-term answer.
His shot-stopping ability, especially in one-on-one situations, was world-class. Forster was not just dominant domestically — he elevated Celtic in Europe.
His standout performance came on 7 November 2012, as Celtic beat Barcelona 2-1 at Parkhead. Despite Barcelona having over 80% possession and 23 attempts at goal, Forster pulled off save after save, keeping out Messi, Iniesta, and Alexis Sanchez. Spanish media dubbed him “La Gran Muralla” – The Great Wall.
His presence gave confidence to the backline. Celtic’s league titles during this period were built on solid defensive records, and Forster was at the heart of it.
He would later leave for Southampton in 2014 in a £10m move, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the club.
⭐ 4. Joe Ledley – The Engine of the Midfield
Position: Central Midfielder
Joined: Free from Cardiff City (2010)
Appearances: 157
Goals: 30
Notable Traits: Tactical intelligence, work rate, calmness under pressure
Ledley was one of Lennon’s smartest signings. Signed on a free, the Welsh international brought Premier League-level class to the middle of the park.
Despite being played as a left-back early on, he quickly slotted into a central role and never looked back. His ability to read the game, cover ground, and contribute key goals made him an unsung hero.
Ledley scored key goals in Old Firm matches and had an uncanny knack for turning up in the right place at the right time. His winner in the 1-0 win over Rangers in December 2011 helped swing the momentum in the title race.
He was also one of the leaders in the dressing room — composed, experienced, and trusted. When he left for Crystal Palace in 2014, many fans felt it was premature, and his absence was keenly felt.
⭐ 3. Victor Wanyama – The Midfield Warrior
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Joined: £900,000 from Beerschot (2011)
Appearances: 91
Goals: 13
Notable Moment: Scored first goal vs Barcelona in 2012 win
Victor Wanyama was a force of nature in midfield. Standing at 6’2″ with a muscular frame, he intimidated opponents, won duels with ease, and yet had the touch and vision of a playmaker.
He announced himself with strong performances in Europe, but it was that header against Barcelona that made him a Celtic legend. Rising above defenders and hammering home, he set the tone for one of Celtic’s greatest ever nights.
Wanyama formed a ferocious partnership with Scott Brown, and the two gave Celtic steel and energy in the middle. Wanyama wasn’t just brawn — he could pass, shoot from distance, and carry the ball forward. His goal against Hearts, a thunderous 30-yarder, showed his range.
In 2013, he was sold to Southampton for £12.5m — a record fee at the time for a Scottish club. He would go on to star for Tottenham and captain Kenya at international level.
⭐ 2. Virgil van Dijk – The Composed Colossus
Position: Centre-Back
Joined: £2.6m from Groningen (2013)
Appearances: 115
Goals: 15
Traits: Leadership, pace, composure, aerial dominance
Van Dijk’s time at Celtic was relatively short but absolutely unforgettable. He had everything: pace, strength, composure, passing ability, and a knack for scoring.
He oozed class in every match, often looking like a man playing a different sport. Fans still talk about the time he dribbled from his own half, beat three men, and scored against St Johnstone — and that curling free-kick vs Hibs.
Celtic fans knew they had a superstar on their hands, and it was no surprise when he left for Southampton, then Liverpool, where he became one of the best defenders in world football.
But Van Dijk credits his time at Celtic for shaping him — and that speaks volumes for the environment Lennon created.
⭐ 1. Gary Hooper – The Goal Machine
Position: Striker
Joined: £2.4m from Scunthorpe United (2010)
Appearances: 138
Goals: 82
Notable Feats: Scored 5 against Hearts in one game, dominated Rangers
Gary Hooper was the jewel in Lennon’s attacking crown. Quick, sharp, deadly in the box — Hooper was everything you want in a striker.
He had an incredible goals-to-games ratio and scored in all competitions, including crucial goals in Champions League qualifiers and the Europa League. In domestic football, he was lethal against Rangers, netting 7 times in Old Firm derbies.
Hooper’s understanding with Anthony Stokes and Kris Commons produced free-flowing attacking football. He wasn’t just a poacher — his movement, intelligence, and finishing made him the focal point of Lennon’s side.
He left for Norwich in 2013, but fans still sing his name. A modern great.
🏆 Chapter 3: Key Moments Delivered by These Players
Barcelona 1–2 Celtic (2012) – Wanyama scores, Forster saves everything
5–1 win vs Rangers (2012) – Hooper and Ledley dominate
Celtic 3–0 Rangers (2011) – Hooper scores twice in a statement win
Clean sheet record – Forster sets a Scottish record
Van Dijk’s solo goal vs St Johnstone – Highlight of his quality
🙌 Chapter 4: Honourable Mentions – The Supporting Cast
While the top five were crucial, they weren’t alone. Lennon built a balanced squad with key contributors:
Scott Brown – The captain, heartbeat of the team
Kris Commons – Creative engine, top scorer in 2013–14
Anthony Stokes – 76 goals in green and white, key in domestic success
Charlie Mulgrew – Versatile, dependable, and a set-piece expert
Emilio Izaguirre – Fan favourite left-back, PFA Scotland Player of the Year (2011)
James Forrest – Broke through under Lennon, still going strong
Georgios Samaras – Inconsistent but majestic on his day (see: Ibrox, Jan 2011)
🟢 Chapter 5: Lennon’s First Era – The Legacy
Between 2010 and 2014, Lennon’s Celtic:
Won 3 league titles, 2 Scottish Cups
Reached the **