Neil Lennon says he was compelled to take the Dunfermline job after lengthy talks with the Championship membership’s proprietor and chairman.
The previous Celtic and Hibernian boss, who was most just lately within the dugout final yr at Romanian aspect Fast Bucuresti, has taken cost at East Finish Park till the top of the season.
He’s Dunfermline’s third everlasting supervisor this time period, with James McPake sacked in December and Michael Tidser dismissed earlier this month after simply 60 days within the job.
The Pars are second-bottom of the desk – six factors away from automated relegation however two level behind Hamilton Accies as they bid to maneuver out of the relegation play-off spot with seven video games to go.
Whereas the 53-year-old is aware of he faces an actual problem to maintain them in Scottish soccer’s second tier, he insists it was a chance he couldn’t flip down.
“Last week, we had a lot of conversations between myself, the chairman and the owner. They made a very compelling argument for taking the job,” he mentioned.
“There’s an outdated adage from Sir Alex [Ferguson] the place generally you choose the homeowners relatively than choose the membership.
“So I think we’ve got a good one here. Further down the line, he’s got really good aspirations for the future of the club.
“I wished to align myself with that.
Lennon has signed an preliminary short-term deal till the top of this season at Dunfermline (Credit score: Craig Brown/DAFC)
“We have a lot of work to do, which is not going to happen instantly, but I’ve had a good response from the players over the last two days. I’m delighted with their attitude and application.
“It is nice to be again concerned in soccer. I understand how aggressive and attritional the Championship might be.
“I know we’re not in the best of form at the minute, so that is a challenge for myself to turn the psychology of the club and dressing room around.”
Requested if he’s a distinct supervisor now in comparison with his earlier stints in Scottish soccer, he added: “Yeah. No question.
“That is 4 or 5 years in the past and the final time I used to be within the Championship was with Hibs.
“You learn from all of the experiences as you go along.
Lennon’s first match will likely be towards his former Celtic captain Scott Brown who’s boss at promotion-chasing Ayr United
“I really enjoyed my time with the media as well, believe it or not.
“However you already know, teaching is all the time what I need to do. I do not know the way lengthy that is going to be. We’ll take a view on it as we go alongside however I’m very excited on the prospect of attempting, endeavouring to take Dunfermline ahead.”
Lennon’s first match in charge of Dunfermline will be against promotion-chasing Ayr United, who are managed by his former Celtic captain Scott Brown, on Saturday.
Lennon’s managerial history
Lennon was sacked from his final two jobs in Romania and Cyprus
After an preliminary stint as Celtic caretaker boss, Lennon was handed the job at Parkhead for the primary time in June 2010. He went on to win the Scottish Cup in his first season, earlier than three consecutive top-flight titles and one other Scottish Cup adopted.
He left the membership after 4 years and went on to affix Bolton however the staff struggled, whereas off-field monetary points additionally impacted the aspect – with Lennon leaving after two years.
Lennon then joined Hibernian as head coach and led the staff to promotion again to the Scottish Premiership on the first time of asking and certified for the Europa League, in addition to ending fourth within the prime flight. Nonetheless, three years later he departed Easter Highway.
Lennon guided Hibernian to the highest flight after profitable the Scottish Championship title
One other interim spell at Celtic adopted as Lennon changed Brendan Rodgers, who had joined Leicester Metropolis, and as soon as once more he was handed the job on a everlasting foundation after serving to seal a 3rd home treble, earlier than profitable all three trophies on his personal the next season. He did, nevertheless, depart in 2021 after Rangers returned to prime spot for the primary time in 10 years.
Lennon received 10 trophies as Celtic boss together with a home treble throughout his two spells in cost
Lennon loved relative success in Cyprus – profitable the Cypriot Cup with Omonia, however was sacked after lower than a yr within the job, whereas his time at Fast Bucuresti in Romania lasted simply three months following a tricky begin to the season.
Dunfermline’s last league fixtures
- March 29: Ayr United (A)
- April 2: Livingston (H)
- April 5: Hamilton Academical (H)
- April 12: Queen’s Park (A)
- April 19: Partick Thistle (H)
- April 26: Airdrieonians (H)
- Might 2: Morton (A)
