Neil Lennon on dugout collision course with Scott Brown as Celtic hero takes first steps with new club

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Neil Lennon has landed a new job as he made a surprise return to Scottish football.

The Celtic hero most recently worked with Rapid Bucharest and has been doing punditry duties since then as he awaited his next dugout opportunity.

Dunfermline Athletic approached Lennon with what was described in some reports as a “bumper offer” as they looked to turn their season around after sacking Michael Tidser within two months.

And now Lennon has accepted the position and spoken about his excitement of taking the job on where he will begin his era against a familiar face in another Hoops hero, Scott Brown.

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Neil Lennon has joined Dunfermline as their new manager

The Pars have no game this weekend but are back in action next week away at Somerset Park where they’ll face Ayr United in Lenny’s first match in charge.

“I’m very excited about the prospect of joining Dunfermline Athletic Football Club,” Lennon said after signing an initial short-term contract.

“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.

“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 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.”

Celtic heroes Lennon and Scott Brown will battle in Championship

Lennon is a successful manager with Celtic, Hibs and Omonia in Cyprus having lifted 12 trophies in total.

That’s why it must be considered a serious coup for Dunfermline to land the Irishman as their new gaffer, bringing a wealth of experience and contacts with him should he remain in the gig beyond this season.

They go from a relative rookie in Tidser to Lennon who has had two stints at Parkhead as a boss as well as in the Championship already with Hibs which he won.

It’s a different job for Lennon at East End Park, though, as they’re in the midst of a dogfight at the wrong end of the table.