Latest news with #Lennon
The Courier
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Courier
Chris Hamilton has say on Neil Lennon staying as Dunfermline Athletic midfielder also pens new deal
Chris Hamilton has revealed he is 'excited' for the future at Dunfermline under Neil Lennon and has promised the Pars will 'have a good go next season'. Hamilton has become the first signing of the new Lennon era at East End Park after penning a one-year contract extension. The former Hearts youngster's previous deal was expiring, but he has been given a vote of confidence by his boyhood club with a fresh agreement. The 23-year-old follows swiftly on from Lennon himself after the Northern Irishman penned a two-year deal to stay as manager. And Hamilton, who played in all but the last of Lennon's seven matches in charge last term, is relishing the opportunity to play again under the ex-Celtic and Hibernian boss. 'It was really good working under the manager,' said vice-captain Hamilton. 'I think you could see the difference in the team from when he came in. 'We were really organised. We were a threat in most games, even though we never scored a lot of goals, and we dominated most games. 'I think his experience helped the group, our young group, a lot. 'Hopefully, moving forward, that can be the same this season. I'm really looking forward to working under him again. He added: 'Hopefully it's an exciting season for the football club. 'As a player, I'm really looking forward to it. As a fan, I'm really looking forward to it. 'I'm excited for the club. It looks positive, it looks on the way up. 'So, hopefully, as players and as a group, we can come back to pre-season, work hard and be ready to have a good go next season, and see where it takes us.' Hamilton joined Dunfermline in 2022 following relegation and helped the club win the League One title in his first campaign. However, after consolidating in the Championship in his second season, 2024/25 proved to be a trying year under three different managers and with the battle to avoid another relegation. The former Arbroath loanee is thrilled he now has the chance to 'right some wrongs' after agreeing his new deal. 'I'm delighted,' he said. 'Obviously I knew for a while towards the end of the season that I was going to be out of contract. And I had a few positive conversations. 'So, I'm glad it's all sorted now and signed and I can get my mind focused on coming in for pre-season and looking forward to that. 'Las season was tough. There were some highs – and a lot of lows. 'But I'm glad that we managed to stay in the league. It was important, really important that we managed to do that. 'And it gives us a chance this year to right some wrongs and really have a go and see where we can get to.'
The Courier
a day 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 Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Neil Lennon vows to entertain Dunfermline fans and targets Premiership
The Northern Irishman, who brought in former Parkhead centre-half Victor Wanyama and oversaw wins over Livingston and Queen's Park during his brief spell in charge, has now signed a two year deal. He acknowledged that, with both Ross County and St Johnstone both dropping down a division, that going up will be challenging. However, he remains determined to lead Dunfermline back into the top flight for the first since 2012 next term. Read more: 'I more or less agreed things with the owner towards the end of the season,' he said. 'Obviously, there was negotiations going on with the contract and that, but he was true to his word and I've been true to my word. We've got a good relationship, which is really important. 'The same is true of the people around the club, David [chairman and chief executive Cook] is obviously important in that aspect as is John [advisor Colquhoun]. We know there's a lot of work that needs to be done. That's a real challenge for me and one that I'm looking forward to. 'I don't like making predictions. But I would like us to be challenging around the top. That's going to take a lot when you consider that two Premiership teams have come down into the division. 'Allied to that, you've got Ayr United and Partick Thistle, Raith Rovers finished the season really strongly, Morton are consistent. So it's an attritional nutritional league. But we have to find the players that will give us the edge in games. If not, they will then be difficult to beat, but also consistent. We need more consistency in our performances.' (Image: Promotional) Lennon, who will retain Iain Brunskill, Kevin McDonald and Andy Collier on his backroom team, has been attempting to strengthen the Dunfermline squad since last season ended and is keen to bring in players who can give his team far more of a cutting edge in attack. 'We came in at a difficult time and some of the performances were good, solid,' he said. 'But we weren't spectacular by any means, so I want to change that. We only scored 28 goals in 36 games. That's something that has to be changed overall. 'The players were good, their attitude was good. We liked it, we enjoyed it. We enjoyed the challenge, but now this is a different challenge. We want to start looking up the table rather than over our shoulders. There's rebuilding work that needs to be done, but we want to do that incrementally.' Lennon added, 'We've been working away in the background on a number of players, it's a slow process. There are already players who have signed new contracts from last season. 'There are players who have obviously left the club and their own players have come back to their parent clubs. We've got a small platform to build from in terms of the squad of players so far. 'Recruitment is going to be important. Getting the right players in the right positions and obviously with the right mindset as well. There were things that didn't please me over the six or seven weeks I was there. We just want to change a little bit of the culture around the place as well. 'I want more attacking players. That's always been my way. The bottom line is football is an entertainment business and you want to entertain. I think sometimes it gets lost in all the analytics and the coaching side of things. 'We have good support here. They rock up. They love the club and they want to see a team perform. Yes, full of commitment, that's non-negotiable, but with quality as well.' Read more: Cook commented, "This is an important moment for Dunfermline. 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 and Evan[co-owners Bord and 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 their loyal backing by competing at the right end of the Championship, giving them a team to be proud of.'
Scotsman
a day ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Premier Sports Cup fixtures announced as Derek McInnes lands heavyweight Hearts opener
New Tynecastle boss to kick off against Lennon's Pars Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Derek McInnes' first competitive match as Hearts manager will be a showdown against Neil Lennon, with the Jambos to host Dunfermline Athletic at Tynecastle. McInnes was appointed Hearts boss earlier this month and he will make his Gorgie bow when the Pars visit on Saturday, July 12, with the game kicking off at 5.15pm and being broadcast live on Premier Sports. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dunfermline confirmed on Thursday that Lennon, who helped keep them in the Championship last term, has committed to the East End Park side for another two years and will pose a stern test to McInnes' side. Neil Lennon and Derek McInnes will do battle on the opening weekend of the Premier Sports Cup. | SNS Group One of Hearts' other Group E matches will be shown on TV as well when the Jambos head to Forthbank to take on Stirling Albion on Saturday, July 19, also a 5.15pm kick-off. Three other group-stage matches have also been picked for coverage. In Group D, St Mirren v Ayr United will take place on Sunday, July 27 at 3pm, while in Group G, Motherwell v Morton on Tuesday, July 22 will be on the box with a 7.45pm kick-off. Kilmarnock's match with Livingston on Wednesday, July 16 is also a selection. As was the case last season, a number of other matches will be broadcast on the Premier Sports app, with the SPFL advising that fixtures not selected for TV remain subject to change at this stage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A total of 80 games will be played over five matchdays across the group stage, involving 37 SPFL clubs plus Highland League winners Brora Rangers, Highland League runners-up Brechin City and Bonnyrigg Rose of the Lowland League. How the competition will unfold The eight group winners and three best runners-up will join European representatives Celtic (the current holders), Rangers, Aberdeen, Hibs and Dundee United in the last 16 on the weekend of August 16/17. The quarter-finals will be played on the weekend of September 20/21 and the semi-finals are scheduled for the weekend of November 1/2. The 2025/26 Premier Sports Cup final will take place on Sunday, December 14. SPFL Chief Operating Officer Calum Beattie: 'We are delighted to be able to announce the fixtures and TV selections for the group stage of the Premier Sports Cup as we look forward to the start of the new season kicking off in July. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'In addition to the five matches selected for live coverage on Premier Sports, supporters will also have the opportunity to watch additional games via the Premier Sports app and we hope to be in a position to confirm those selections shortly.' Premier Sports Cup group stage fixtures Saturday, July 12 (3pm unless stated): Brechin v Falkirk, Spartans v Queen's Park, Edinburgh City v Partick Thistle, Stranraer v Ross County, Bonnyrigg Rose v Alloa Athletic, Dundee v Airdrieonians, Annan Athletic v Forfar Athletic, Arbroath v St Mirren, Hearts v Dunfermline (5.15pm), Stirling v Hamilton, East Kilbride v St Johnstone, Elgin v Raith, Clyde v Motherwell, Peterhead v Morton, Brora Rangers v Kilmarnock, East Fife v Livingston. Tuesday, July 15 (7.45pm unless stated): Cove v Spartans, Queen's Park v Brechin, Partick v Stranraer, Queen of the South v Edinburgh City, Airdrieonians v Bonnyrigg Rose, Alloa v Montrose, Annan v Ayr, Forfar v St Mirren, Dumbarton v Stirling, Hamilton v Hearts, Inverness v Elgin, Raith v East Kilbride, Morton v Stenhousemuir, Motherwell v Peterhead, Brora Rangers v Kelty Hearts. Wednesday, July 16 (7.45pm): Kilmarnock v Livingston. Saturday, July 19 (3pm unless stated): Cove Rangers v Falkirk, Spartans v Brechin, Edinburgh City v Stranraer, Queen of the South v Ross County, Alloa v Dundee, Montrose v Bonnyrigg Rose, Ayr v Arbroath, St Mirren v Annan, Dumbarton v Dunfermline, Stirling v Hearts (5.15pm), Elgin v East Kilbride, Inverness v St Johnstone, Peterhead v Clyde, Stenhousemuir v Motherwell, Kelty Hearts v East Fife, Kelty Hearts v Kilmarnock. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tuesday, July 22 (7.45pm unless stated): Brechin v Cove Rangers, Falkirk v Queen's Park, Partick v Queen of the South, Ross County v Edinburgh City, Bonnyrigg Rose v Dundee, Montrose v Airdrieonians, Arbroath v Annan, Ayr v Forfar, Dunfermline v Hamilton, East Kilbrdie v Inverness, St Johnstone v Raith, Clyde v Stenhousemuir, Motherwell v Morton, East Fife v Brora, Kelty Hearts v Kilmarnock. Wednesday, July 23 (7.45pm): Hearts v Dumbarton. Saturday, July 26 (3pm): Falkirk v Spartans, Queen's Park v Cove Rangers, Ross County v Partick, Stranraer v Queen of the South, Airdrieonians v Alloa, Dundee v Montrose, Forfar v Arbroath, Dunfermline v Stirling, Hamilton v Dumbarton, Raith v Inverness, St Johnstone v Elgin, Morton v Clyde, Stenhousemuir v Peterhead, Kilmarnock v East Fife, Livingston v Kelty Hearts.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Ex Hibs boss declared 'statement of intent' by Scottish club as 'outstanding' manager signs latest deal
There will be a familiar face in charge of Championship club Dunfermline Athletic next season. Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Former Hibs and Celtic manager Neil Lennon has been rewarded for helping Dunfermline Athletic preserve their Championship status with a new permanent role as Pars manager. The 53-year-old has enjoyed a wide-ranging coaching career after taking up roles in England, Cyprus and Romania as well as taking charge of Celtic, Hibs and Dunfermline over the last 17 years. Lennon has picked up 12 major honours during that time and helped Hibs secure a return into the Premiership when they were crowned as winners of the Championship during the 2016/17 season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After a spell in Romania, Lennon returned to the second tier of the Scottish game in March when he penned a short-term deal to oversee Dunfermline's push towards safety after a deeply disappointing season at East End Park. The Irishman brought some improvement out of the side he inherited from Michael Tidser and a run of two wins and two draws in their last six games was enough to stay the Pars clear of relegation. Lennon will now take charge on a permanent basis and will start planning his summer recruitment after penning a new two-year deal that one key at East End Park has described as a 'clear statement of intent'. Chairman and CEO David Cook told the club website. 'This is an important moment for Dunfermline Athletic FC. 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 and Evan. 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.' Hibs experience SNS Group Speaking after his initial appointment at Dunfermline in March, Lennon referenced his Championship success with Hibs, saying: "It is great to be back in football, I know how competitive the Scottish Championship can be and we are not in the best of form. Last time I managed in the Championship was with Hibs. You learn from all the experiences as you go along. I really enjoyed my time with the media - believe it or not - but coaching is always what I wanted to do. I don't know how long this is going to be and we will take a view on it as we go along. But I am very excited about the prospect of trying to take Dunfermline forward." Your next Hibs read: Hibs transfer priorities and probabilities: Just how likely is Easter Road return for Ryan Porteous?
