Lennon joins Forest

Former Celtic captain Neil Lennon has signed a one-year deal with Coca-Cola League One club Nottingham Forest.

Lennon left the Hoops at the end of the season after seven years with the Glasgow club.

The 35-year-old, a former favourite with Forest's East Midlands rivals Leicester, broke off from a family holiday in Portugal to complete the negotiations.

And Lennon who was also reported to be a target for Premier League newcomers Sunderland, revealed he had checked up on Reds manager Colin Calderwood.

The midfielder said: "It was an easy decision to make and basically I am with Forest because of Colin Calderwood.

"He flew up to Glasgow to speak to me about three weeks ago and I was really impressed with him.

"I had already done a wee bit of homework on him, asking high-profile people in the game whose judgement I respect what they think of Colin and they had nothing but good things to say about him.

"I know the club from my days when I played in England and know the history and tradition of the place.

"It is a very good club, there is great potential at Forest and I am very excited about joining them."