Neil Lennon managed Celtic between 2011 and 2014.
Neil Lennon succeeded Tony Mowbray as manager of Celtic in 2011 and went on to have a successful spell at the club, winning three Scottish Premier League titles and two Scottish Cups.
The former Northern Ireland international midfielder’s greatest success at the club, though, was guiding the Hoops to a Champions League last 16 place for the first time since the competition’s restructure.
A 2-1 home victory over Barcelona was the pinnacle, although It was not all plain-sailing for Lennon, especially during his first season where the club finished behind Rangers in the Scottish Premier League title race.
Here we take a look at his first five signings in charge of the Hoops, and where they are now.
Charlie Mulgrew: Signed from Aberdeen
Charlie Mulgrew was a former Celtic youth player, and Lennon brought him back to the club on a three-year deal, becoming the former Leicester City midfielder’s first signing in charge.
The Scotland international was a regular during Lennon’s stint at the club, although he ended up falling out of favour under Lennon’s successor Ronny Delia, prompting his Celtic Park exit in 2016.
Mulgrew joined Blackburn Rovers and the 32-year-old remains at Ewood Park in League One.
Cha Du-ri: Signed from SC Freiburg
Cha Du-ri was a German-born South Korea international who became Lennon’s second signing in charge of Celtic, moving to the reigning Scottish champions on a free transfer.
He joined up with international teammate Ki Yeung-Sung, but the right-back struggled for game-time at Celtic Park despite becoming somewhat of a cult hero among supporters.
Now 37, Cha Du-ri has retired from professional football following a stint at FC Seoul.
Joe Ledley: Signed from Cardiff City
Celtic faced Premier League competition for Ledley’s signature, and to the surprise of many they managed to sign the Wales international on a four-year deal.
The 31-year-old was a popular figure at Celtic Park, seeing out his contract there before moving south of border to join Premier League side Crystal Palace where he featured regularly.
Ledley, despite his injury problems, is still active as he now plies his trade with Championship promotion hopefuls Derby County following his free transfer to Pride Park last September.
Daryl Murphy: Signed from Sunderland
Despite playing plenty of games in the Premier League with Sunderland, Murphy struggled to make an impact at Celtic following his move north of the border.
The now 35-year-old managed just three goals in a Celtic shirt and spent two of his three seasons at the club out on loan at Championship side Ipswich Town.
Murphy performed much better at Ipswich, scoring over 60 goals before moving to Newcastle United in 2016. After just one season he now plays at Nottingham Forest, scoring seven goals this term.
Efrain Juarez: Signed from Pumas UNAM
Efrain Juarez became one of Lennon’s most expensive transfers while at Celtic, and the utility man also became the club’s first ever Mexican international.
The 30-year-old, capable of playing in either full-back position and in defensive midfield, struggled for form and spent his second season at Celtic out on loan at Spanish side Real Zaragoza.
Struggling to make an impact in Europe, Juarez returned to Mexico with Club America and, as of January 2018, now plays his football for the Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer.
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