Neil Lennon is reportedly poised for a return to Scottish football with Dunfermline Athletic, as the former Celtic manager looks set to take the reins at East End Park.
The Pars are embroiled in a relegation scrap in the Scottish Championship, but a potential appointment before next weekend could see Lennon take charge just in time for a blockbuster clash.
And what a first fixture it could be – Dunfermline are set to face Ayr United, managed by none other than Lennon’s former Celtic captain, Scott Brown. Ayr are flying high in third place and pushing for promotion, while Dunfermline are scrapping to steer clear of the drop zone. It sets up a fascinating managerial showdown between two Celtic icons, now operating on opposite ends of the table.
The spotlight will undoubtedly be on both men. Lennon, who last managed in Austria, would return to the Scottish game with a point to prove. He’ll be tasked with lifting a Dunfermline side that has struggled for consistency this season. With just a handful of games remaining, there’s no time to ease into the role — results are needed immediately.
Despite sitting second-bottom, the situation isn’t beyond repair. The Pars are six points ahead of bottom club Airdrie and are just ten points off fifth in what’s a tight division. A couple of wins could completely alter the outlook.
Facing Brown’s Ayr United, however, will be a tough opening test. The Honest Men have been in strong form and are eyeing promotion to the Premiership. Brown, still in the early stages of his managerial career, will no doubt relish the battle against his former boss — but it won’t be lost on him how much Lennon will want a result.
If confirmed, Lennon’s appointment promises to bring some extra bite to the Championship’s run-in. And with such an iconic match-up to kick things off, all eyes will be on Ayr next weekend.
Lennon didnt manage in Austria