Neil Lennon and Scott Brown will be clinking glasses come 5:30pm on Saturday but not before they ignore each other for 90 minutes first.
This Saturday, a highly anticipated showdown is set to take place as Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic face off against Scott Brown’s Ayr United in what promises to be a dramatic reunion. The two men, who once shared a close bond at Celtic, will now find themselves on opposite sides of the dugout, each with a point to prove.
Lennon himself couldn’t resist adding some humour to the occasion, joking, “I’ve told him to get a bottle of red,” in reference to the intensity of their reunion. While the two may share a history of mutual respect, there’s no doubt that both will be determined to come out on top in this clash.
Celtic’s Scott Brown and manager Neil Lennon (L) celebrate after the Betfred Cup Final between Rangers and Celtic.
Dunfermline currently sit in 9th place in the Scottish Championship, holding the final play-off spot. Under Lennon’s leadership, the club will be looking to climb the table and avoid the relegation battle.
On the other hand, Brown will be looking for his side to return to winning ways as his side are without a win in three.
The Northern Irishman is fully aware of the task ahead, with his remit set at 7 games for now. However, Lennon made it clear that this is “a short-term job for now, with the view to being longer.”
Neil Lennon is unveiled to the media as the new manager of Dunfermline Athletic during a press conference at KDM Group East End Park (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)
Reflecting on his playing days, Lennon fondly remembered his time at Celtic, where he scored three competitive goals—two of which came against Dunfermline. “Ronaldo had nothing on me”, he laughed, recalling the two “worldly” goals that, as he put it, didn’t come around often for him as a midfielder.
Celtic’s Neil Lennon is ecstatic after scoring for the first time in four years
Initially skeptical about the move, James Bord, owner of Dunfermline, persuaded Lennon with a “very compelling argument” that proved too tempting to pass up.
Lennon praised Bord, describing him as a character he had yet to encounter in his many years in football. “I’m going to learn from him” Lennon said, highlighting the impact the owner had on him during their discussions.
Now, as Dunfermline’s new manager, all eyes will be on Lennon to see how he navigates this new chapter in his career, with the challenge of reviving the Pars and pushing them up the Championship table.
The only thing standing in the way of a dream start to life in Dunfermline for Lennon, an old friend now tuned rival.
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