Lennon appointed Dunfermline manager until summer

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon is hoping to bring "an exciting brand of football" after being appointed Dunfermline Athletic manager on "an initial short-term deal until the end of the season".

It comes four days after the sacking of Michael Tidser with the Pars sitting in the second-bottom, relegation play-off spot in the Scottish Championship and having won just once in eight games.

Lennon was himself dismissed by Rapid Bucharest in August after only three months in charge of the Romanian top-flight club.

Tidser had a similarly short spell in charge, lasting only 60 days after Dunfermline had negotiated a compensation fee with League 1 neighbours Kelty Hearts.

Lennon told Dunfermline's website he is "very excited" about the job after the club's new American owners put forward "a very compelling proposition" on their ambitions.

"However, short-term our aim is obviously to be in the Championship next season," the 53-year-old said.

"Having watched the match against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup, it's clear there's talent in the squad, perhaps just a little low on confidence at the minute.

"What we want to do is bring an energy, confidence and an exciting brand of football. It may not happen instantly, but we want to play on the front foot, excite supporters and get the players believing in what we're doing."

Former Northern Ireland midfielder Lennon, who had two spells as Celtic manager and has also been in charge of Hibernian, Bolton Wanderers and Cypriot club Omonia, will be assisted by former Liverpool academy technical director Iain Brunskill, who was also his number two in Bucharest.

Chairman and chief executive David Cook added: "We very quickly identified Neil as the outstanding candidate for the role.

"Having managed at the very highest level in the country, he will bring a huge wealth of experience to the club."

Lennon's first game in charge of Dunfermline will be away to third-top Ayr United a week on Saturday.