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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Blair Meikle

Neil Lennon sets lofty Dunfermline ambition as ex-Celtic boss gets to work

Neil Lennon has set himself the bold target of getting Dunfermline back into Europe.

The former Celtic captain and manager was recently confirmed as the Pars manager on a permanent basis after taking over temporarily towards the end of last season, and keeping them in the Championship.

It was a move that raised eyebrows at first, especially with his recent jobs being at some of the biggest clubs in Romania and Cyprus and also with the Hoops and Hibs on his CV.

But Lennon is encouraged by the ambition being showing at East End Park and is matching that himself with the aim of competing in continental competition for the first time in eight years.

"The ultimate ambition for us all is to try and get promotion and get back into the European picture," he told BBC Scotland.


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"It's a long way off, but you've got to have ambition, you've got to have targets.

"I'm not saying we're going to do it in one year, but hopefully two. We can sort of see the signs that we're going in the right direction."

The 53-year-old has explained how owner and American based entrepreneur James Bord had made him feel wanted ahead of taking the decision to stay on.

"I think we had in one week, about seven phone calls where he convinced me to come, and I liked that," Lennon added.

"He made me feel that I was their man. And I feel a sense of loyalty to him now.

"I've got a good relationship with him. I like the way he works. I like his ideas on the game. It's new for me to learn as well.

"Ultimately, it's about building a team that's going to be competitive in the league. It's going to get people through the door. That's what I want to do. And play a really strong brand of football."

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