NEIL LENNON has seven games to win a full-time contract as manager of struggling Dunfermline.
The Celtic legend accepted a contract to take charge of the Fifers who are second bottom of the Championship, six points above Airdrie, but one adrift of Hamilton Accies.
The 53-year-old two-time Hoops gaffer has been out of work since being sacked by Romanian outfit Rapid Bucharest in August last year just three months into a two-year deal.
Lennon also had a nine-month stint at Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia in 2022, but has now taken on the challenge at East End Park after Michael Tidser was axed earlier in the week.
MEDIA PUNDIT…Neil Lennon congratulates Brendan Rodgers and Scott Brown does likewise with Callum McGregor after Celtic’s Scottish Cup Final triumph at Hampden on May 25 last year. Now Lennon and Brown will go head-to-head next weekend.
The Northern Irishman will be joined by coach Iain Brunskill, who had spells at Liverpool Academy, Norwich City, Blackpool, Queens Park Rangers and was as assistant during the double-act’s brief stint in Romania.
Lennon’s first match in charge of the Fifers will be against his former Hoops captain Scott Brown’s promotion-chasing Ayr United at Somerset Park a week today.
The Celtic icon, who won 11 trophies as Parkhead team chief over his two stints, said: “I’m very excited. Once I spoke to James Bord [co-owner], 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.
“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.”
Lennon, speaking to Sky Sports, added: “What we want to do is bring an energy, confidence and an exciting brand of football.
“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.”
LENNY’S SEVEN-GAME MISSION
March 29: Ayr United (A)
April 2: Livingston (H)
April 5: Hamilton Accies (H)
April 12: Queen’s Park (A)
April 19: Partick Thistle (H)
April 26: Airdrie (H)
May 2: Morton (A)
