NEIL Lennon's name continues to be linked with the vacant Leicester City managerial post but like everyone else with Wanderers at heart, Gavin McCann hopes the Whites can hold on to the Northern Irishman.

The former midfielder, who now coaches the Whites under-15s at the Eddie Davies Academy, has been impressed with Lennon's impact at the Macron Stadium since his arrival last October.

McCann believes Lennon and Wanderers are the perfect fit and hopes he gets the time to continue the job he has started in reviving the club.

The former England man who played 88 times in three years as a Wanderer told the Scottish Sun: "I take the kids at Bolton, the under-15s, and I have to say that since Neil came into the club last October the whole place is a lot better.

“He’s given the club a lift. It was a bit low before with the previous manager. There is now a better atmosphere and that’s to the credit of Neil and his backroom staff.

"I’ve been down the first-team training ground a couple of times and I know everyone there is enjoying working for Neil, Johan Mjallby and Garry Parker.

“I’d like to go down more often and learn more as a coach. Neil’s put a bit more belief into the club — and the fans are optimistic about the future.

“I don’t know Neil well, but I know he’s concentrated on being involved in the community. Bolton’s a family club and the fans will appreciate Neil’s approach to it. They’ll get behind him even more now."

McCann believes the future is brighter under Lennon as long as the Leicester links go away.

After stopping the rot last season and ensuring Championship survival, he believes the club can kick on if the manager can strengthen his squad before the new campaign kicks off on August 8.

McCann added: "I don’t know what his budget is like for next season. But hopefully he’ll be able to strengthen with a few new players and be in a position to push for promotion.

“The Championship is one of the toughest leagues around and Bolton were bottom when Neil took over.

“But he quickly got the team playing well again and took us clear of the relegation zone.

“Just keeping Bolton in the division was the main priority — and Neil managed that comfortably.

“But I know he’s an ambitious man and clearly he was also used to success as Celtic manager and as a player.

“So when that’s your mindset you don’t want to change it.

“When Neil was appointed Bolton manager I instinctively felt it was a good appointment.

“I knew all about his track record at Celtic.

“And what I’ve seen of him at the club he’s been very impressive.

“At the very least the side’s going in to win games and play decent football too.

“Fingers crossed, the board will be able to give him a bit of money and he can get Bolton back in the Premier League.

“We know the finances are tight just now — but it would still be great if Neil could be given something.

“The club’s geared up for the Premier League with the stadium and the training ground. It would be brilliant if Neil could work a bit of magic and get Bolton up.

“I think he’s good enough to do it. I know Neil will have a good go at it.

“Bolton have been on a low for too long — three years out of the Premier League. It’s a club that deserves better.”