LJL

Don't know if this has been mentioned but he's signed or Newport

Just seen that. League football so fair enough.

Butcher would have watched him last year when he was going to sign Rodman

[url]http://www.newport-county.co.uk/news/article/newport-county-rhys-taylor-scott-barrow-lenell-john-lewis-2475172.aspx[/url]

Two year contract. No brainer for the bloke isn't it?

Hmm cant blame the guy, he had a good season last year and I think he will be missed but he's 100% replaceable. Tbh i am surprised he's left though, the amount of loyalty in which Hurst has shown him i thought might have counted for something, and also the way the club itself treated him

Always rated him and so pleased opinion turned in favour of him during the latter stage of this season. He'll always have a place in my heart.

Quoted from Hagrid

Hmm cant blame the guy, he had a good season last year and I think he will be missed but he's 100% replaceable. Tbh i am surprised he's left though, the amount of loyalty in which Hurst has shown him i thought might have counted for something, and also the way the club itself treated him

Maybe it's a sign that Hurst expected it and already had a replacement in mind? If he's anything like a good manager he will know that a good strike force was the missing link last season.

Good luck Lenny! It's been a pleasure! Comical at times, brilliant others!

Always divided opinion so some will be pleased to see the back of him

Always gave his all for us even though his finishing left a lot to be desired

Good luck back in the FL Lenny

Meanwhile, we move on. Plenty more fish in the sea

Quoted from gtfc98

Good luck Lenny! It's been a pleasure! Comical at times, brilliant others!

Not as comical as Clayton McDonald.

Remember him booting the ball over the Findus, from the Osmand end penalty spot on the volley.

Hurst's faith counts for nothing when he's got some sections of the fanbase shouting to get him off the pitch! A really under appreciated player who was so "excrement" he's moved up a division. Good luck Lenny.

Fair play to Lenny he deserves league football. Will miss the 'shop' chant but certainly replaceable!

Don't blame him, he was never going to please some sections of fans. Best of luck to him. UTM

Be very surprised if he scores as many next season in league 2.

What do I do about that tattoo on my arm?

I think he'll struggle at that level and Newport supporters won't take to him if he misses the same amount of sitters as he did for us. Will be be given the extended run in the team there that he needs in order to play to the level he's capable of? I'm not sure and feel he may come to regret his decision not to stay with us. Of course given that it's for league football and presumably higher wages I can at least understand his motivation.

What about Lloyd Grittith's tattoo??

Quoted from Chrisblor

I think he'll struggle at that level and Newport supporters won't take to him if he misses the same amount of sitters as he did for us. Will be be given the extended run in the team there that he needs in order to play to the level he's capable of? I'm not sure and feel he may come to regret his decision not to stay with us. Of course given that it's for league football and presumably higher wages I can at least understand his motivation.

I liked him, wish him all the best, and don't blame him for moving up to the league.

But if there's an element of our play that needs an overhaul it's up front. We just didn't score enough last season. May well be best for everyone.

As a fan we seem to say we want to see players give their all.

IMO Lennie gave his all, ALL of the time and I wish him nothing but well in the future.

With a new baby to provide for, league football and a 2 year deal I hope it goes well for te guy

Good move for him and the security of a 2 year contract back in the League is a result. Despite the faith shown in him by Hurst, it's no surprise he's left when you consider the amount of stick he's received from some quarters over the past couple of years.

This is an interesting one for Hurst now as our current style of play requires a hard-working target man. Though Pittman has a great spring for his size, we can't rely on his fitness for the whole season. We'll need another physical forward on the books whether it is somebody with great strength or blistering pace (or both!).

It seems likely that we'll be seeing a pretty much completely new forward line in comparison to last season unless Palmer signs. Interesting choices ahead for Hurst.

Surprising one for me as I expected him to stay with us.
But as others have said can't fault the guy for leaving to play in the FL again.

I've always backed him and defended him against criticism during games, but personally I would have released him when we released Cook last summer. As I thought we should've been aiming for better than both if them.

Can't argue with the 20 goals this season which for a target-man striker is a really good return. But when you think how many he could/should have had and how many games we drew over the season, a better finisher is needed.

I don't think it'll be a massive loss as he's replaceable and if we can get a strong striker in who is a more clinical finisher we'll be better off.

Much respect for Lenny and his work ethic. Can't blame him for moving on and bettering himself whilst his stock is high. Will be interesting to see how he fares higher up. Scored with his fizzog at Wembley and i bet there aren't many who can say that.

How many target men also score 20 goals a season? All the haters, hang your heads in shame!

Quoted from 97

I liked him, wish him all the best, and don't blame him for moving up to the league.

But if there's an element of our play that needs an overhaul it's up front. We just didn't score enough last season. May well be best for everyone.

Pretty much how I feel about it. His goal tally was good, but there's this feeling that somehow that tally paints a better picture than reality for me. He never felt like a dead cert to score when he was in the box, and just how many sitters and good chances did he miss that could have seen his goal tally look far more impressive.

Underrated and the subject of so much criticism throughout the season. What a shame.

Never good to lose a 20 goal striker, whatever division you are in.

Never understood the haters.
Not having his 20 goals, would of meant we never got into the playoffs potentially?

Good luck to the bloke. You deserve to get yourself in a higher league after scoring that many and still taking the excrement.

Really hope Hurst has got some targets in the horizon.

I feel the main problem was not having a regular goalscorer alongside him. He did the target man role very well and despite initial misgivings, i admit to being swayed round by him in the end. Wish him all the best.

Lennie did miss a few BUT he was always in the position to get those chances. You might have a better finisher but they also have to get in the positions.

Lennie's work ethic and strength will be hard to replace and a jonny on the spot alone wont be good enough. Hopefully a direct replacement for the shop AND a goalhanger who does sodomist all but finds the net.

Easy isnt it?

Good luck to him.

Loved him as a player and hope he scores loads for Newport. As others have alluded to his move to the football league makes those who thought he was crap look a bit daft.

Massive blow.  

Hurst's game plan works around LJL and has done for the past two years.  Either we get in a similar type player who will do the same amount of work for the team or Hurst tries a different approach.

I wonder if Hannah would have been released had Hurst known LJL was leaving...

The shop has shut.

Quoted from bobbyturtle

The shop has shut.

Quoted from itsnotcoditshaddock

Be very surprised if he scores as many next season in league 2.

I tend to agree, especially if he doesn't take their penalties. He's an on/off player as far as goals are concerned. Not reliable and consistent. 18 goals sounds a lot but there's a few penalties in there and they were not spread evenly over the season plus his finishing rate on easy chances must have cost the side points.

On the plus side, his workmate is second to none, his lay off play has improved a bit and with a sharp strike partner playing to his strengths he could be OK in L2. Whether he is worth a 2 year contract is another question though ......

We must be the only fanbase in the world with spilt opinions on a 20-goal striker.  

Quoted from diehardmariner

I wonder if Hannah would have been released had Hurst known LJL was leaving...

I was just thinking that. I don't think there's any chance Hannah coming back, but I think it was clear he was released because he didn't fit the system, not due to lack of ability. LJL was a huge part of our game plan and if we have to make significant changes to our tactics then someone like Hannah would possibly fit in.

Think he did a lot of work for the team and liked him a lot.  Was an important part in the way we played and ended up scoring a lot of goals this season.

But equally I think one of our best periods of the season was when Palmer and Pittman were the main men up front and the Shop was injured and welcoming his daughter.  Is certainly a loss but not the one I am most gutted about and wish him all the best for the future!

So, who's going to shove that hotdog up Jonnyboy's bottom now?  

imho rather proves the point that managers and coaches are far better judges of footballing ability than fans!
hope he does really well for them, 2 year contract, football league, presumably a pay rise - just reward for all the perseverance and hard work he's shown over the years. was great fun while he was around and i think we will miss him far more than the haters suspect. certainly us away fans know his value and how much his hard work were a key to the superb away form last year.
seems like a decent bloke - that xmas video always makes me smile and i think he's a player that we will remember with a smile in years to come

Who knows how many Palmer would have scored had he been here all season and taken the penalties. We'll never know.

Good luck to Lennie. Excellent work rate and a good guy if not the most gifted striker we've ever seen at BP.

I think we've lost LJL at a time when he was showing his best form for us. His performance in the second leg against Eastleigh was superb and probably the best I saw from him in a black and white shirt.

I remember when he signed for us. No one expected it, no one saw it coming - we already had about 7 strikers on our books! I thought he'd be one of those players who'd leave us before his contract was up.

In the end he went on to become an integral player in a formation and system that nearly won us promotion. And he scored 20 goals along the way.

He gradually got better during his time with us, he won the fans over eventually (in no small part due to that xmas video I'm sure) and I think he owes a lot to Hurst for this move. He believed in him. I wonder where he'd be right now if we didn't offer him a deal last summer.

I don't blame the guy for going, given what he's been offered, and I wish him the best of luck.

He got a lot of stick in his first year but we came to appreciate his team play. If he was a better finisher he'd be league one or higher.

Quoted from bobbyturtle

The shop has shut.

It just relocated.

was it Paul Hurst giving up with his 4-5-1 / 433 system that helped LJL out abit?

Not bothered , good guy a trier . we can find better .
utm

I use to slate this guy,  last season he proved me wrong...Abit....I still think hes a donkey. Abit of a Jean Louis Akpa Akpro type,  runs and runs but not what I would call a goalscorer.

I have no doubts at all that PH knew this was coming and will already be talking to many a world class strikers

Bad news. Those who treated Lennie as a figure of ridicule will notice how big a loss he is if we don't find adequate replacements this summer. He scored 20 this season and created plenty of others. Good luck Lennie

Found this out yesterday, like I said I know his agent. Disappointed that he's gone but can't blame him wanting football league football! Let's hope we find another 20 goal striker for next season.

Quoted from Laddy89

I use to slate this guy,  last season he proved me wrong...Abit....I still think hes a donkey. Abit of a Jean Louis Akpa Akpro type,  runs and runs but not what I would call a goalscorer.

I have no doubts at all that PH knew this was coming and will already be talking to many a world class strikers

Who has since consistently played at a higher level than Town.

Further highlights the point further up this thread about managers making far better decisions with players than fans.  

Good luck too the guy, even though my feelings are that he was too frustrating a striker, missing comically the barn doors from good positions a little to regually considering he was Hurst's 1st choice.

Duty Free as well

Quoted from Strandty

Found this out yesterday, like I said I know his agent. Disappointed that he's gone but can't blame him wanting football league football! Let's hope we find another 20 goal striker for next season.

Actually, let's hope we find a 30 goal striker next season!  

Once again a present under the Christmas tree that doesn't last until next xmas.
Let's hope we get a replacement that is top of the tree.

He will be a big miss!!!

Quoted from diehardmariner

Who has since consistently played at a higher level than Town.

Further highlights the point further up this thread about managers making far better decisions with players than fans.  

League two player and doesn't score that much... he was at town in league two... so hasn't exactly proved town fans wrong and gone on to go up the leagues... so I don't agree with your comment.

Can't honestly say I'm that bothered.

Good luck lenny.

Quoted from jonnyboy82

Can't honestly say I'm that bothered.

Good luck lenny.

Sausage dodger.  

IMO the departure of LJL is a good thing for PH the manager as he is being forced to develop the attacking line up for the next season.

We could lose all our defenders (I know we haven't) and Hurst would build a strong defence. It combines his decent eye for a player and his undoubted skills in coaching a back four (proven in the couple of years with differing players and the odd regular).

For me we need to build an attack that is not based on one hard working player who's goal scoring record is questionable. Yes he scored goals but he missed a hell of a lot too and due to recruitment/selection we had no alternative player for the role. We really could not afford to miss those chances. If we take the games we lost or drew at home and turned a few defeats into draws and the odd draw into a win we would have walked the league. Hurst must see this as the major failing of the season and ultimately the reason we lost out on promotion not JPP's missed penalty. Goals win games and he needs to get a selection of strikers that can deliver those goals.

Quoted from Strandty

Found this out yesterday, like I said I know his agent. Disappointed that he's gone but can't blame him wanting football league football! Let's hope we find another 20 goal striker for next season.

Do you though?  

Quoted from jonnyboy82

Can't honestly say I'm that bothered.

Good luck lenny.

Don't think you're escaping the frankfurter that easy..... #getthesausageuphisarse
#doitfortheshop

Damn. Always put in a good shift. Probably just started to be a decent goal scorer now too.
Good luck Len.

The fact that his last goal for us went in off his face says enough for me, was never the prettiest finisher but was always in the right place

Good luck Lenny!  thanks for the 100% effort you put in in every game.

Those saying how he got slated all season are wrong imo. This season he's been generally well supported by all, in fact he's become something of a cult hero. He got stick before and I guess when you're missing chances regularly you should probably expect that's going to happen.

But this season, through hard work and vast improvement he's been one of our best players. He comes across as a decent bloke and I won't begrudge him of his move. That said I still believe we'll be fine without him and the step up could be a step too far for him imo.

Gutted, really rated him for his all round play and hard work. After not finding a hairs on back of neck striker last close season, whats the chances of Hurst finding one this tiime?  

First name that Hurst put on the team sheet , I was never a fan of Lenny , that's just bring honest.  Tried hard , missed numerous chances,  gave his all , but !     Good luck to him . He's  cost Newport nothing , if it fails they transfer him at the end of the season . A win win for them .

Mr Hurst  has to work to build a team , now that 2 of his main spine have gone .

Quoted from gtfc98

Do you though?  

Yes I do haha  

Quoted from DocTower

First name that Hurst put on the team sheet , I was never a fan of Lenny , that's just bring honest.  Tried hard , missed numerous chances,  gave his all , but !     Good luck to him . He's  cost Newport nothing , if it fails they transfer him at the end of the season . A win win for them .

Mr Hurst  has to work to build a team , now that 2 of his main spine have gone .

Which two?

Biggest surprise for me is that Newport signed Lenny and released Aaron O'Connor who I thought was technically a better player.  

Does anyone know if O'Connor had an injury? or does he maybe not fit in with Terry Butchers style of play?

If not, I'd be more than happy if we could get O'Connor coming in the other way

We will miss the shops stamina, work rate and his huge physical presence very useful at this level. He certainly made plenty of assists with is flick ons etc.

A awkward sod to mark he did an excellent job, just a pity his finishing and close control often let him down wiish him all the luck in the world. He often led the line on his own good luck Lenny.












  

Liked Lenny gave 100%+ every time and got us off to a cracking start at Wembley - pity we didn't get a second
For work rate hard to beat

Certainly one of the most frustrating strikers we've had in recent years.

At times he's almost unplayable, big, strong, holds the ball up well and scores great goals but on another occasions he can be totally ineffective and miss chances that your Gran could score. Split the views of fans at first, but does seem to have won over the majority this season with his goals and workrate, although he had at least as many decent chances to score as he did score this season.

We've always said that if he was a better finisher then he wouldn't be playing at our level, so now he's going to have a chance to prove that he can.

We've seen how JLAA, who was similarly derided in his early time here has gone on to have reasonable success after leaving.

The Shop leaves with my best wishes and I'll be following his progress with interest next season.

Quoted from BIGChris

Which two?

Rumours , ifs buts maybes .
Has he , hasn't he .
If the two who command pages on the board regarding moves , them two .
If only one , will be pleased .

I think we will miss Lenny, I certainly will. Still there now opportunities for 2 new strikers, crucial position, over to you PH. I am sure he has his targets.

Quoted from Laddy89

League two player and doesn't score that much... he was at town in league two... so hasn't exactly proved town fans wrong and gone on to go up the leagues... so I don't agree with your comment.

Won promotion to League 1 this year with Shrewsbury though?

I doubt he'll read the Fishy, but good luck Lenny, wish you all the best.  I'm happy he hasn't signed for another club in our league anyway, he'll probally be on double money at Newport.

The thing now is, we now need another striker!  Quite excited to be honest!  

Quoted from Nelly GTFC

The thing now is, we now need another striker!  Quite excited to be honest!  

We need another three strikers.  I too am excited by this prospect.

Thanks Shop.  
Bloody frustrating but I think we all appreciated his workrate.  If only he could have stooped down and stuck his neck out to that cross that went right across the 6 yard box at the end instead of trying to kick it!!!!

Quoted from TheRonRaffertyFanClub

I tend to agree, especially if he doesn't take their penalties. He's an on/off player as far as goals are concerned. Not reliable and consistent. 18 goals sounds a lot but there's a few penalties in there and they were not spread evenly over the season plus his finishing rate on easy chances must have cost the side points.

On the plus side, his workmate is second to none, his lay off play has improved a bit and with a sharp strike partner playing to his strengths he could be OK in L2. Whether he is worth a 2 year contract is another question though ......

The fact that he is prepared to do diy for others speaks volumes about the bloke. To put a full shift in down the park then be ready for some joinery is immense.

Best wishes for the future Lennie,you gave us some moments,both good and not so good.Hope you do well for Newport.

Enjoyed watching LJL. His diving header at Alfreton will always be a fond memory for me as the whole away end shook!!!
UTMM

He'll be missed. Cult hero status was surely on the horizon. A decent goal return, matched with tireless work rate, a healthy number of assists and simply making his presence felt in the final third (and therefore creating space and chances for others) means he will be missed - but hopefully not irreplaceable. Good luck Lenny and thanks for everything. You're name really is a shop  

Good luck to Lenny.If his replacement shows anything like his effort and fitness we will have a good player to look forward to watching.Big boots to fill but PH has an answer I trust UTM

Sorry to see him go but as others said, replaceable.
I will follow his career with interest

A bit shocked he left he struggled at Bury, but terry Butcher plays the big boot so LJL might do well, i hope him the best but now we can try and bring a new look to the forward line wandering who's he's going to bring in up front.

As far as I am concerned this is the best news to come out of B/P this close season. Yes he scored 20 goals but should of had double. In my eyes he is one of worst finishers I have seen up front in a black and white shirt while watching Grimsby for 50 years, I say up front as he will never be a striker.

Comical.

Thanks for all Lenny, you've put in 110% and were pivotal in our promotion challenge. You also showed yourself as very committed to the club and fans through things like the Christmas promotional video.

Of course the Fishy talent scouts are far better at spotting players than those who do it for a living for professional clubs.

Be interesting to see how he does. No one can argue that it took him a hell of a long time to find form. His strike rate was average at best.
Great athlete though and his work rate in the playoffs was one of the best ive seen in a Town shirt

Good luck to the bloke.
Always gave his all but Im not arsed about him going.

Have to say that the Shop leaving is a surprise. While the security of a two year deal (presumably we could have matched the length of the deal) and no doubt more money are attractive, they are not everything. I thought he would have stayed. He enjoyed cult status here and great camaraderie and would be part of team going full tilt for promotion, which I would have thought would have been enough to make him sign. These are things that are to be treasured and more attractive than South Wales, FFS, in my view.

His loss in my opinion.

Looks like he got Christian Jolley's old job............. Good luck Lenny a loss to GTFC but conference defenders will be delighted as there is one less "bully" to deal with on a Saturday afternoon.

Cheers Lenny, gave it your all and I will miss seeing him play and that chant of course

I really wouldn't be surpised if he comes back on loan because he suited us. Even then he scored 23 goals in 90 games for us and that's the best scoring rate he's had at any club. He's going to be playing against better defences next season as well.Expect him to be dropped and back here by Xmas!

Quoted from GrimRob

I really wouldn't be surpised if he comes back on loan because he suited us. Even then he scored 23 goals in 90 games for us and that's the best scoring rate he's had at any club. He's going to be playing against better defences next season as well.Expect him to be dropped and back here by Xmas!

I hope not, that would mean we have failed to find a good replacement,

I always thought Lenny worked his socks off,

BUT

There is better players out there.

I won't be a hypocrite and say I will miss LJL because I won't , always thought he was terrible and we could do better.

As some on here have said, that the " haters" should hang their heads in shame..........balderdash

Wish him good look in his new venture, as I do to all the players that will be leaving the club

Quoted from ackomariner

I won't be a hypocrite and say I will miss LJL because I won't , always thought he was terrible and we could do better.

As some on here have said, that the " haters" should hang their heads in shame..........balderdash

Wish him good look in his new venture, as I do to all the players that will be leaving the club

Again, in a minority but I agree, always needed 4 or 5 chances to put one in.
Having said that I'm pleased he isn't in our League.

I kinda miss him...

It's a shame we've lost Lenny, but you can't fault him for a League return.  Without the shop, I would love to see PH offer a deal to Hannah, he gets goals, loves the club, the boss and fans, plus oozes this team ethic that the players have right now.  Hannah and Lenny never looked a good pairing, but now LJL has gone, surely we will struggle to get a better goal getter than Ross, give him a deal Paul and give him games, he'll take us up.  We don't want to see another Southwell situ, where he leaves and bags goals for fun!