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Neil Lennon refuses to play second fiddle at the Macron regardless of Norwich’s promotion ambitions.
The Wanderers boss has been impressed by today’s opponents, tipping them for automatic promotion this season – but is fiercely protective of a home record which has seen his side lose just once in 14 games since he took charge in October.
And regardless of what the bookmakers may make of it, Lennon has drummed into his side they cannot be preoccupied by the visitors’ form going into the game.
“When we played Norwich in October and Neil Adams was in charge I said they looked as if they had the strongest squad in the Championship,” he said. “Alex Neil has come in and the transition has been smooth.
“But there is pressure on him to take Norwich up now. He’ll have to handle that, and he’s playing Bolton, so he’ll have to handle that – at home we’re very strong.
“I will be going all out to win this game and do the teams around Norwich a favour.”
Lennon was linked strongly with the Norwich job last summer as the Canaries debated who would be given the reigns long-term after Chris Hughton’s sacking in April.
But the Wanderers boss denied any talks had taken place with the Norfolk club at a time when he was still in charge at Celtic.
“I was linked with loads of jobs,” he said. “I never spoke to Norwich and nor did my agent. It was just speculation but it's a good club and they're in a strong position.
“They will be looking to go up automatically without the lottery of the play-offs. We want to put a dent in that so they have to come and beat us. We're very strong at home so it should be a very good game to watch.”
Norwich come to the Macron today missing in-form midfielder Bradley Johnson and striker Lewis Grabban but Alex Neil believes he has cover.
“We just have to adapt and give someone an opportunity and make sure they take it,” he said. “I have my thoughts on how we go about that, ever since he picked up his booking, I know after analysing Bolton how I want to go about it and I am comfortable about the situation.”
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The Wanderers boss has been impressed by today’s opponents, tipping them for automatic promotion this season – but is fiercely protective of a home record which has seen his side lose just once in 14 games since he took charge in October.
And regardless of what the bookmakers may make of it, Lennon has drummed into his side they cannot be preoccupied by the visitors’ form going into the game.
“When we played Norwich in October and Neil Adams was in charge I said they looked as if they had the strongest squad in the Championship,” he said. “Alex Neil has come in and the transition has been smooth.
“But there is pressure on him to take Norwich up now. He’ll have to handle that, and he’s playing Bolton, so he’ll have to handle that – at home we’re very strong.
“I will be going all out to win this game and do the teams around Norwich a favour.”
Lennon was linked strongly with the Norwich job last summer as the Canaries debated who would be given the reigns long-term after Chris Hughton’s sacking in April.
But the Wanderers boss denied any talks had taken place with the Norfolk club at a time when he was still in charge at Celtic.
“I was linked with loads of jobs,” he said. “I never spoke to Norwich and nor did my agent. It was just speculation but it's a good club and they're in a strong position.
“They will be looking to go up automatically without the lottery of the play-offs. We want to put a dent in that so they have to come and beat us. We're very strong at home so it should be a very good game to watch.”
Norwich come to the Macron today missing in-form midfielder Bradley Johnson and striker Lewis Grabban but Alex Neil believes he has cover.
“We just have to adapt and give someone an opportunity and make sure they take it,” he said. “I have my thoughts on how we go about that, ever since he picked up his booking, I know after analysing Bolton how I want to go about it and I am comfortable about the situation.”
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