Latest news with #Fifers
The Courier
2 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
Excitement of Neil Lennon appointment has instant effect as fans 'rally behind' Dunfermline Athletic
Dunfermline have been 'blown away' by a surge in season-ticket sales on the back of the appointment of Neil Lennon as manager. Lennon has penned a two-year deal at East End Park following his short-term agreement for the final seven matches of 2024/25. The successful conclusion of negotiations brought to an end a month of uncertainty over the future of the former Celtic and Hibernian boss. It also allowed the Pars to push on with their season-ticket campaign, with sales beginning at 10 am on Friday morning. With a steady stream of supporters throughout the day, the Fifers had sold over 500 by the close of business. That is more than double the number from the first day of sales this time last year. Dunfermline had 3,375 season-ticket holders last term and are optimistic of bettering that as anticipation builds following Lennon's decision to commit to the Championship club until summer 2027. A club spokesman said: 'We have been absolutely blown away by the response from the supporters — day one season card sales have exceeded all expectations. 'The excitement around Neil's announcement has clearly ignited real optimism, and it's fantastic to see the fans rallying behind the club with such passion.' With the club shop open again at East End Park from 10 am until 2 pm on Saturday, club officials expect more fans to commit to the year ahead following Thursday's announcement that Lennon is staying. Prices for next season show a five per cent increase, ranging from £12 for U/12s to £379 for an adult. A statement read: 'With substantial investments, including our new manager, players, pitch improvements and other areas, we hope supporters understand their financial backing is crucial to the club.'
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
BREAKING: Neil Lennon agrees deal to STAY on as Dunfermline Athletic boss
Neil Lennon has signed a new deal to stay on as Dunfermline manager. The former Celtic and Hibernian boss has penned a two-year contract to commit his future to the East End Park outfit until summer 2027. The Northern Irishman will again be assisted next season by Iain Brunskill, who has joined him in agreeing fresh terms. Lennon took charge of the Pars in March for the final seven games of the Championship season and helped the club avoid relegation to League One. The Fifers were always optimistic that short-term agreement could be extended. Talks have been on-going for some time between Lennon and owners James Bord and Evan Sofer. With negotiations dragging on, there were fears in some quarters that a deal was not possible. But officials at Dunfermline always retained confidence in a positive conclusion to discussions after the ex-Celtic and Leicester City player's impact both on and off the pitch. Despite the delay in Lennon putting pen to paper, the Pars say preparations for next season are 'well under way'. Chairman and chief executive David Cook indicated almost three weeks ago that the Fifers were 'hopeful' of reaching an agreement to hang on to Lennon, who secured two wins and two draws from his seven matches at the helm. And he is in no doubt that the 'outstanding' Lennon can give the club's long-suffering supporters 'a team to be proud of'. 'This is an important moment for Dunfermline Athletic FC,' said Cook. 'Confirming the appointment of Neil is a clear statement of our intent to build something meaningful and competitive. 'His leadership during the latter part of last season was outstanding, and he brings a wealth of experience, professionalism and presence that has already made a significant impact around the club. 'None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of James [Bord] and Evan [Sofer]. 'It would be remiss of me not to highlight their passion for moving the club forward. 'We know the past few seasons have been challenging – on and off the pitch. Entertainment has been in short supply, but our supporters have stuck with us through some difficult times. 'We aim to repay your loyal backing by competing at the right end of the Championship, giving you a team to be proud of.'
The Courier
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Neil Lennon's first words on Dunfermline Athletic 'project' after committing future to the Pars
'Excited' Neil Lennon has vowed to rebuild Dunfermline after agreeing to stay on as Pars manager. The former Celtic and Hibernian boss has penned a two-year deal to bring to an end lengthy negotiations over the past month. The 53-year-old signed only a short-term contract when he arrived with assistant Iain Brunskill in March but always said he was open to remaining in charge for longer. Having helped save the Fifers from the spectre of relegation by leading the team to seventh in the Championship table, Lennon had been in discussions over fresh terms ever since. And, having now ironed out the details, the Northern Irishman has confessed there is a big job ahead in his East End Park 'project'. 'I'm just delighted,' he said after putting pen to paper on Thursday. 'I'm excited. 'I've been feeling really welcome here. Now I want to make an impact on the club in a positive way. 'Iain [Brunskill] and myself really enjoyed the couple of months we were here. But we want to improve all aspects of the club, we want to build it. 'It's a project for me. I don't use that term very often in football, but there's a lot of work to be done here. 'Ultimately, it's about getting a really good product on the pitch and that's what we intend to do.' Lennon took the reins after the sacking of Michael Tidser in March, with Dunfermline sitting second-bottom and just seven points above basement side Airdrie. Despite losing his debut match in charge 3-0 away to Scott Brown's Ayr United, Lennon steered the Pars to vital wins over Livingston and Queen's Park and goalless draws against Partick Thistle and Airdrie. They finished with a six-point lead over the Diamonds, who ended up in ninth because Hamilton Accies were deducted 15 points for SPFL rule breaches. The Fifers have since freed eight first-team players and said goodbye to six loanees, whilst entering talks with Chris Hamilton, Josh Cooper, Tashan Oakley-Boothe, Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, Victor Wanyama and Lewis McCann over contract extensions. With chairman and chief executive David Cook indicating the East End Park men are determined to 'have a go' at winning promotion next term, it promises to be a busy summer for Lennon.
The Courier
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
6 free agents Dunfermline Athletic could consider as they eye summer signing spree
Having said goodbye to 14 players and with a further six in talks about their future, this is going to be a busy summer for Dunfermline. Currently sitting with barely a team of first-team-ready stars, the Pars need an extensive rebuild and could easily take their recruitment into double figures ahead of next season. Chairman and chief executive David Cook has vowed the Fifers are ready to 'have a go' in 2025/26 in search of promotion to the Premiership for the first time in nearly two decades. The identity of the arrivals may depend on getting a deal over the line to hang on to Neil Lennon as manager, something that could be concluded in the coming days. Few would have envisaged Victor Wanyama ending up at East End Park and previous contacts may be used by the Northern Irishman – as well as a bumper budget – to help Dunfermline land other players normally out of their league. And, despite owner James Bord's heralded data and AI methods, there is expected to be an acceptance that the Pars need players with knowledge of the Scottish game and, ideally, experience of winning promotion. Bearing that in mind, Courier Sport has taken a look at some players the Fifers could find attractive under freedom of contract in the coming weeks. Recently dubbed one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premiership by manager Jim Goodwin, Docherty has been a massive part of Dundee United's success of late. A stand-out in the Championship previously with Ayr United and Partick Thistle, the now 32-year-old was one of the players signed by the Tangerines in 2023 to get them out of the division. Injuries have restricted him to 34 league starts over the last two years. But he is adamant that, putting his issues down to wearing the wrong shoes, his problems are in the past. Central midfield is not an area of priority for Dunfermline but Docherty's level of leadership and ability does not become available too often. The Pars do need to add central defenders to their squad this summer, especially if Lennon is boss and continues with his three-man defence. The former Scotland internationalist is another who United turned to in a bid to reverse their relegation to the Championship in 2023. And he is another who has led the strong dressing-room culture at Tannadice in their successful title of last season and European qualification this term. Dunfermline have already been credited with an interest in the 34-year-old and, with 40 largely stellar appearances in 2024/25, it is easy to see why. With just 28 goals in 36 league games, the Fifers' struggles in front of goal are clear. Chris Kane netted 11 times in the Championship, despite struggling with injury, and the nearest to him in the top-scorer charts – Ewan Otoo, Lewis McCann, Matty Todd and Josh Cooper – had only three to their name. So, who better to turn to than the Championship's sharpest shooter? Graham could be available as a player if he does not land the Partick Thistle manager's job. And, despite being 37, his knack for finding the net would go some way to solving one of Dunfermline's biggest issues. Mackay-Steven could also become available, with his contract due to expire at Kilmarnock. The 34-year-old made just 13 appearances for Killie this season, and has made 23 in total since joining on an initial short-term deal in December 2023. He may want a fresh start and the chance to play more regularly after a difficult few years. The Pars would certainly welcome the winger's trickery and ability to open up defences if he proved within their reach. With the departure of Aaron Comrie, Dunfermline look short of defensive options on the right-hand side. After relegation with Hamilton Accies, Tumilty could provide the answer. Energetic and skilful, the former Ross County and Raith Rovers player would be able to fill in at both full-back and wing-back. A Challenge Cup winner with Raith and Hamilton, the 28-year-old might welcome the possibility of a promotion push after a difficult campaign with Accies. A free agent after being released by Dundee United, Watt made 30 appearances on loan at Motherwell this season. Although he did not set the heather alight with just a solitary goal, the 31-year-old's ability is well known to Lennon should the former Celtic boss stay on. Like Docherty and Gallagher, Watt is another who has experience of winning the Championship with United last year. And, if Lennon can get the best out of the ex-Celtic, Charlton Athletic and Motherwell marksman, then it could prove the perfect move for both parties.
The Courier
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
What will Neil Lennon need to add to Dunfermline Athletic squad if he is confirmed as Pars boss?
As talks continue with Neil Lennon, Dunfermline remain optimistic of retaining the services of the former Celtic and Hibernian manager for next season. Charged with keeping the club in the Championship when he took over on a short-term deal for the final seven matches of the season, the Northern Irishman steered the Pars to seventh in the table. Chairman and chief executive David Cook revealed almost a fortnight ago that the Fifers were 'hopeful' of finalising negotiations to keep Lennon – who has since been on holiday – and assistant Iain Brunskill in place. He also said they were ready to 'have a go' at promotion this summer with wealthy new owners James Bord and Evan Sofer at the helm. However, with 14 players that finished the campaign released, and a further six 'in dialogue' with the club about their futures, what kind of squad will Lennon have and what areas will he need to strengthen if he does stay on? Courier Sport has taken a look at those who remain at East End Park. One of the most pressing positions to sort out will be the goalkeeper. Incredibly, predecessor James McPake was left with just one available player between the sticks – Deniz Mehmet – during all four of the Premier Sports Cup group matches. A repeat cannot happen. Even for the opening two league games, 17-year-old Lewis Briggs was the back-up before Tobi Oluwayemi was brought in on loan from Celtic. This summer, Mehmet is again last man standing, with Oluwayemi having gone back to Celtic and Briggs released. Lennon will be eager to get a dependable new number one sorted as quickly as possible to have certainty in the last line of defence. Should Mehmet decide that, at 32, he does not want another season sitting on the bench – and his 15-minute cameo in the last game against Morton was seen by some as a farewell – then Lennon will need two new keepers. With Aaron Comrie, Rhys Breen and loan duo Tommy Fogarty and Andre Raymond departing, Dunfermline are short on numbers at the back. Comrie's exit at the end of his deal may suggest Lennon might stick with a back three next term and is in need of wing-backs rather than traditional full-backs. Kieran Ngwenya and the versatile Ewan Otoo provide options down the left and Kane Ritchie-Hosler and new signing Keith Bray are possibilities on the right. But it may be Lennon would prefer out-and-out wing-backs for Dunfermline rather than wingers or midfielders whose preference would be to play elsewhere. At the heart of the defence, Kyle Benedictus finished the season in resolute form but is now 33, whilst Sam Fisher and Sam Young were both farmed out on loan in the second half of the campaign and face an uncertain summer. The Pars are expected to exercise their option to re-sign Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen but there is the potential for at least another two central defenders to arrive. All might depend here on what happens with the players who are in discussions over fresh terms. Three of them – Chris Hamilton, Tashan Oakley-Boothe and Victor Wanyama – are central midfielders. With Otoo still under contract and youngster Andrew Tod highly regarded, it may be deemed there are priorities in other areas of the team. However, there are likely to be plenty of free agents this summer who could boost the quality available to Lennon at Dunfermline. On the flanks, there is only really Ritchie-Hosler who fits the bill if the Pars want to deploy wingers, making this a likely consideration. Matty Todd failed to reach his high standards this season but there will be hope he can rediscover his best and provide an option in an attacking midfield position. Likewise, if he stays on, Josh Cooper can fulfil that role. But more creativity – from wide and the heart of the team – is desperately needed following a dismal season in front of goal. With just 28 goals from 36 league games this term, it is clear where the Pars' problems lie. Despite improvements under Lennon, Dunfermline still failed to score in their last three matches. In fact, they only netted twice in Lennon's seven games in charge. With seven goals in 15 league outings since the appointment in January of Lennon's predecessor, Michael Tidser, a drastic turnaround is required. When fit, Chris Kane is one of the best strikers in the division and the Fifers will need to find a way to keep the former St Johnstone player injury-free. Beyond him, Connor Young is highly rated but untested at Championship level, whilst Taylor and Jake Sutherland also still have much to prove, and Lewis McCann is out of contract and currently recovering from hamstring surgery. Every club will be searching for one, but Dunfermline could do with two forwards capable of delivering double figures in the scoring charts if they are to fulfil ambitions.
