“Dad, take the job. It’s going to be brilliant,” Gallagher Lennon

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·26 mars 2025

“Dad, take the job. It’s going to be brilliant,” Gallagher Lennon

Neil Lennon has managed at the highest levels of the game, from Champions League nights with Celtic to silverware-laden domestic campaigns…

Neil Lennon congratulates his players after an important win at Rugby Park on 22 January 2020. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Now, the experienced manager is embarking on a new challenge, taking the reins at Dunfermline Athletic with just seven games left to secure their Scottish Championship survival.

Vidéos OneFootball

Lennon’s decision to take the job came after extensive discussions with club owner James Bord, a Las Vegas-based businessman with a keen interest in data analytics and European football networks. Initially hesitant, Neil Lennon was convinced by Bord’s vision and long-term commitment to the club.

A Unique Partnership with Dunfermline’s Owner

As reported by the Daily Record, Lennon gave his insights into their conversation that led to him being offered the Dunfermline job. “I don’t know if he wants me to talk about him, really. But he’s heavily into data analytics. He’s got a great brain—very much into forward-thinking.

“I’m going to learn from him on a different aspect of football that I’ve probably never really thought about or been introduced to before. He’s a very interesting personality. I just hit it off with him very well. James was so compelling.

Brendan Rodgers shakes hands with Scott Brown, whilst f Neil Lennon pats him on the back Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Cup, Quarter Final, Football, Celtic Park on 9 March 2025. Photo: Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

“Then, when we started talking about the plans for the club, he already part-owns a club in Spain and owns a club in Bulgaria. He’s certainly not here for the short term, anyway. This isn’t going to be a quick fix. He’s not coming up with these massively big ideas, either. He wants the best for Dunfermline but wants to do it in a proper fashion, and I really like that about him.”

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

Lennon described Bord’s passion for the club, recalling: “His first line to me was, ‘Dunfermline has got under my skin.’ So he really wants it to work. He’s worked with a lot of clubs and has a vast network of knowledge of players, not just in the UK but around Europe.

“He’s very, very intelligent. Really interesting. It will be myself and Iain Brunskill running the football team, with the support we get off the people in the background. It’s not like a whole framework where you have to run your whole thought processes by them, but it’s an additional help, no question about that.”

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

Focus on Survival Before Rebuilding

With only seven games remaining and Dunfermline sitting second-bottom of the table, Lennon is under no illusions about the task ahead. While he hopes to bring an exciting brand of football to East End Park, he acknowledges that survival is the immediate priority.

“I said I want to bring exciting football to the club, but I want to clarify—I didn’t promise it. I want to bring silverware as well, but I’m not promising it!” Lennon quipped. “If we go out against Ayr on Saturday and the football’s rubbish, people will say I promised it. So I want to clarify that because that’s been the narrative. Down the line, that’s what I want to do,” Lenny said,

Neil Lennon in the dugout with assistant Johan Mjallby at the start of the Scottish Premier League game between Celtic and Ross County at Celtic Park Stadium on August 03, 2013. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

“We’re in a difficult position. We have seven games to go and we want to win as many as we can. It’s great to be back. I know how competitive and attritional the Scottish Championship can be. I’ve been in a relegation fight before, but this job is a chance to build something, and that’s what I found attractive. Sometimes it’s good to build something rather than a quick fix every time.”

A Rejuvenated Lennon Ready to Prove Himself

Since leaving Celtic four years ago, Lennon has taken on managerial roles in Cyprus and Romania, experiences he believes have made him a stronger coach. “No question. You learn from all the experiences. I enjoyed my time in the media, but coaching is what I always want to do. I was really close to getting a job in England. Then this one came up at the same time, so I’m really pleased.”

Lennon also revealed that his son, Gallagher, played a role in encouraging him to return to management. “He was like, ‘Dad, take the job. It’s going to be brilliant. It’ll be great to see you back in the dugout.’ It’s nice hearing that from your own.”

A Celtic Reunion with Scott Brown

Scott Brown celebrates during Celtic’s 4-0 win over Ross County on 22 December 2012. Photo Big Lens.

Lennon’s first match in charge will see him come up against a familiar face, as Dunfermline take on Ayr United, managed by his former Celtic captain Scott Brown.

Smiling, Lennon said: “I’ve told him already to make sure he’s got a nice bottle of red in the office afterwards! He’s done a fantastic job, so it’s a really tough opening game. And it’s not about me and him. He’ll tell you that. He’ll have his focus, and I’ll have mine.”

As Lennon prepares to guide Dunfermline through a crucial run-in, he brings not only experience but also a belief that this challenge can be the start of something significant for both him and the club.

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image to join.