Nottingham Forest have beaten a host of clubs, including Sunderland, to the signing of former Celtic captain Neil Lennon on a free transfer.
The 35-year-old, who left the Bhoys last month, becomes Forest boss Colin Calderwood's first signing this summer.
The midfielder has signed a one-year contract with an option of a further year, but will not be joining in a coaching capacity as first thought.
"He will be a wonderful signing for us," Calderwood told the club website.
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"I don't think we'll be looking for him to play for the next five or six years but what we will be hoping is that he has an influence on those players who will still be in the game beyond when he has retired.
"I fully expect him to play the majority of our games - as he did for Celtic over the last two or three seasons.
"He has been in a winning environment and he is coming here with no desire to ease off. In fact, he told me that I might have to calm him down on occasions.
"I think he will be a refreshing, elder professional at the club and will complement the rest of the group"
"I think he will be a refreshing, elder professional at the club and will complement the rest of the group. Signing Neil is a strong indication of the type of player we have been after."
Lennon added: "Basically I'm here because of Colin Calderwood. I was really impressed with him.
"I've asked high-profile people in the game, whose judgement I respect, what they think of him and they had nothing but good things to say about him.
"I know the club from my playing days in England and know the history and tradition of the place. It's a very good club, there's great potential here and I've very excited."
Lennon enjoyed a colourful career in Scotland since Martin O'Neill signed him from Leicester City in December 2000 for £5.75m.
During his time at the club, the Northern Irishman, who was linked with former club Leicester and Premiership new-boys Sunderland among others, won five Scottish Premier League titles, four Scottish Cups and two CIS Cups.
Forest narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship last season, losing to Yeovil 5-4 on aggregate in the play-off semi-final.
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