Celtic legend Neil Lennon targets promotion and European football with Dunfermline | OneFootball

Neil Lennon has admitted that the aim for Dunfermline is to return to European football. The Celtic legend signed a contract with the East End Park club last week, confirming that he would remain with the Scottish Championship outfit despite interest from elsewhere.

Speaking to BBC Scotland, Lennon admitted that the aim is to get promoted back to the Premiership before looking at competing in Europe.

“The ultimate ambition for us all is to try and get promotion and get back into the European picture.

“It’s a long way off, but you’ve got to have ambition, you’ve got to have targets.

“I’m not saying we’re going to do it in one year, but hopefully two. We can sort of see the signs that we’re going in the right direction.”

Lennon took Hibs up from the Championship and into Europe the following season, a formula that the sleeping giants at Dunfermline will be hoping to emulate. Last season saw Lennon’s compatriot, Jim Goodwin, lead Dundee United from the Championship and into European competition after one season.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 26: Celtic manager Neil Lennon celebrates with the Scottish Cup after winning the William Hill Scottish Cup Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Hampden Stadium on May 26, 2013 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Lennon returned to management in Scotland with a surprise move to Dunfermline. The Irishman saved The Pars from the drop and appears to have impressed the Fife club’s support, who were anxious when the vacancies at Kilmarnock, Motherwell and Dundee opened up. The 53-year-old signed for Dunfermline on a two year deal, committing his future to the club but it will likely follow that if he impresses, other teams will want the Celtic legend.

“Football moves on quickly and people forget about you. I know my place in the game there and what I need to do for myself. That’s bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to this club and to the players,” he added.

“I want to be a success. I don’t like talking too much about myself because I always feel like you set yourself up for a fall. But yeah, I’ve done okay. I want more.

“I want more experiences, I want more success, I want more silverware, I want more. I think that’s just been sort of in me since I was a kid. My playing career was good in terms of trophies.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon celebrates victory and winning the title after the Scottish Premier League match between Celtic and Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Celtic Park on April 21, 2013. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

“I’m getting old. I don’t get much excitement these days. I still have a passion and love for the game, and I want to do it my way.”

Lennon has a very good managerial CV, without even discussing his successes as a player, after taking over from Tony Mowbray in 2010. Lennon boasted an impressive win rate with 159 wins in 227 matches – including excellent displays in Europe. In that time, Lennon recorded three league titles and two Scottish Cups before departing the club.

An ill-fated spell at Bolton was followed by further success at Hibs, winning the Championship and recording their highest ever League finish before a surprise return to Celtic in 2019 after Brendan Rodgers left the club for Leicester City. Lennon helped complete the Treble Treble before winning a Treble of his own the following season. He left the club during the COVID season, which had an impact on everyone at the club.