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Neil Lennon believes club chairman Phil Gartside’s presence is being missed at Bolton Wanderers.
The manager delivered some positive news on the 63-year-old’s condition yesterday, after a club statement had confirmed he had withdrawn from his day-to-day duties because of “serious illness”.
Lennon confirmed Gartside, who is recuperating at his home in Northwich, Cheshire, had told him he was feeling better after a brief conversation this week.
“Not only is he my boss, he is my friend,” he told The Bolton News. “I don’t know the full extent of how ill he is but he has been in touch with me the last couple of days and said he is feeling good.
“I have not had chance to go and see him yet and I am not sure he is taking too many visitors.”
Gartside appointed Lennon in October last year and the pair have had a close working relationship through a difficult 12 months.
The conclusion of an eight-year legal battle against agent Tony McGill took a physical toll on Gartside, as did the club’s struggles on the pitch.
But while the chairman has come under intense criticism from supporters for his management of the club, Lennon echoed the thoughts of many Wanderers fans in wanting to see Gartside quickly back on his feet.
“You are worried about him because ultimately Phil is a good guy and his heart is in this club,” he said.
“It was funny not seeing his car around. Normally he is here first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
“Regardless of the illness, he was feeling the strain of things anyway. We all wish him well and want to see him back in his office as soon as possible because he is missed at the minute.”
Lennon is now looking to forge a working relationship with Trevor Birch, who was appointed as a financial advisor to the board on Tuesday night.
“He’s basically filling in for Phil’s role, so I’d imagine I’ll have regular contact,” he added.
“I haven’t really met him before, other than 10-15 minutes on Tuesday, but I have heard lots of good things about him.
“He’s a safe pair of hands in a situation like this.”
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The manager delivered some positive news on the 63-year-old’s condition yesterday, after a club statement had confirmed he had withdrawn from his day-to-day duties because of “serious illness”.
Lennon confirmed Gartside, who is recuperating at his home in Northwich, Cheshire, had told him he was feeling better after a brief conversation this week.
“Not only is he my boss, he is my friend,” he told The Bolton News. “I don’t know the full extent of how ill he is but he has been in touch with me the last couple of days and said he is feeling good.
“I have not had chance to go and see him yet and I am not sure he is taking too many visitors.”
Gartside appointed Lennon in October last year and the pair have had a close working relationship through a difficult 12 months.
The conclusion of an eight-year legal battle against agent Tony McGill took a physical toll on Gartside, as did the club’s struggles on the pitch.
But while the chairman has come under intense criticism from supporters for his management of the club, Lennon echoed the thoughts of many Wanderers fans in wanting to see Gartside quickly back on his feet.
“You are worried about him because ultimately Phil is a good guy and his heart is in this club,” he said.
“It was funny not seeing his car around. Normally he is here first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
“Regardless of the illness, he was feeling the strain of things anyway. We all wish him well and want to see him back in his office as soon as possible because he is missed at the minute.”
Lennon is now looking to forge a working relationship with Trevor Birch, who was appointed as a financial advisor to the board on Tuesday night.
“He’s basically filling in for Phil’s role, so I’d imagine I’ll have regular contact,” he added.
“I haven’t really met him before, other than 10-15 minutes on Tuesday, but I have heard lots of good things about him.
“He’s a safe pair of hands in a situation like this.”
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