Neil Lennon promises Dunfermline fans an exciting brand of football

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·22 marzo 2025

Neil Lennon promises Dunfermline fans an exciting brand of football

Celtic legend Neil Lennon insists he is ‘very excited’ to become the next manager of Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic…

Neil Lennon is the new Dunfermline manager. Photo Dunfermline Athletic FC

Lennon has been appointed as the new Pars boss, signing an “initial short-term contract” that will run until the end of the season.

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The former Celtic captain and two-time Hoops manager had been without a managerial role since departing Rapid Bucharest in 2024, following a brief stint of only six matches, despite bringing in 12 new signings that summer. His former assistant, Iain Brunskill, will also accompany him at Dunfermline.

“I’m very excited about the prospect of joining Dunfermline”

In a statement on the club’s website, Lennon said: “I’m very excited about the prospect of joining Dunfermline Athletic Football Club. Once I spoke to James Bord he put across a very compelling proposition on his ambitions for the club. However, short term our aim is obviously to be in the Championship next season.”

Neil Lennon is the new Dunfermline manager. Photo Dunfermline Athletic FC

“Having watched the match against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup it’s clear there’s talent in the squad, perhaps just a little low on confidence at the minute. What we want to do is bring energy, confidence and an exciting brand of football.”

#DAFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Lennon as First Team Manager. ➡️ https://t.co/c6oOyprnv5
– venerdì 21 marzo 2025

“It may not happen instantly but we want to play on the front foot, excite supporters and get the players believing in what we’re doing.”

“We very quickly identified Neil as the outstanding candidate for the role”

Dunfermline CEO David Cook outlined: “Firstly I’d like to welcome Neil and Iain to KDM Group East End Park. We very quickly identified Neil as the outstanding candidate for the role. Having managed at the very highest level in the country he will bring a huge wealth of experience to the club.”

“Whilst it’s been a team effort in securing the services of such a high calibre manager, this wouldn’t have been possible without James Bord’s personal involvement in the negotiations.”

“Neil has already started work preparing for next Saturday’s match”

“Neil has already started work preparing for next Saturday’s match with Ayr United and with seven matches remaining we know our supporters will get behind Neil, Iain and the rest of the staff and squad as we fight to maintain our Championship placing.”

Scottish FA Cup Final: Celtic v Dunfermline Athletic. Photo IMAGO

Dunfermline humorously confirmed Lennon’s appointment on social media, referencing Heathrow Airport’s closure due to electrical faults while nodding to the Irishman’s iconic aeroplane celebration.

Before his short-spell in Romania, Lennon managed Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus in 2022, guiding them to victory in the Cypriot Cup with a penalty shootout win over Ethnikos Achna. Although he steered the club to the UEFA Europa League group stages, he was dismissed in October following a run of disappointing domestic results.

Lennon had two managerial spells at Celtic

Lennon had two managerial spells at Celtic, initially stepping up from his roles as assistant manager and then reserve manager after Tony Mowbray’s departure in 2010. During his first tenure, he secured three league titles and two Scottish Cups before leaving the club in 2014.

Scottish FA Cup Final: Celtic v Dunfermline Athletic. Neil Lennon lifts the Scottish Cup as former First Minster the late Alex Salmond applauds. Photo IMAGO

Lennon returned to Celtic after Brendan Rodgers’ move to Leicester City, having left Hibernian just a month earlier. He led the club to the historic Treble Treble, earning the job on a permanent basis. The following season, he delivered the Quadruple Treble but departed during the 2020/21 campaign after Celtic’s unsuccessful pursuit of 10 in a row in the COVID season when nothing went right for Celtic or Neil Lennon with no supporters at the games.

Conor Spence

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