Former Northern Ireland international 'remains committed' to club amid Scottish Premiership links
Dunfermline Athletic chief executive David Cook insists former Northern Ireland international Neil Lennon “remains committed” to the club amid speculation linking him with the vacancy left by Stephen Robinson at Scottish Premiership outfit St Mirren.
Lennon, who earned 40 caps for Northern Ireland throughout his playing career, took over at second-tier Dunfermline last year after a brief spell in Romania with Rapid București.
The 54-year-old has led the Pars to a Scottish Cup semi-final – they’ll meet Falkirk at Hampden Park next month – picking up wins over top-flight Hibernian and Aberdeen on route to the last-four.
Their Premiership promotion dream also remains alive with Dunfermline occupying a play-off position.
Lennon has enjoyed significant success throughout his coaching career to date, winning five league titles and four Scottish Cup crowns across two stints at Celtic, and also sealed Hibernian’s top-flight return in 2017.
The Lurgan native has been linked with the St Mirren job following the exit of fellow countryman Robinson to Aberdeen earlier this month, but Cook has moved to cool speculation.
“I can confirm Neil remains committed to DAFC, despite some recent media speculation linking him with St. Mirren,” said Cook in an update to fans. “Under his stewardship, the club has made tangible progress, and we find ourselves in a far stronger position than we were at this point last year.
“Recent performances are a clear reflection of the work happening behind the scenes, and we are fortunate to have Neil and his staff guiding the team.”
Scottish Sun Sport reported former Larne manager Tiernan Lynch, who is currently at Derry City, is a “contender” for the job as club officials look to begin interviewing candidates shortly.
Robinson led St Mirren to three consecutive top-half finishes, masterminded their return to European football and also celebrated Premier Sports Cup glory earlier this season, beating Celtic in the final.
His move to Aberdeen could be viewed as a potential blow to the Irish FA amid doubts over Michael O’Neill’s long-term Northern Ireland future.
Robinson would likely have been a top contender for the role if O’Neill departs for Blackburn Rovers – he was in the running back in 2020 before Ian Baraclough was appointed.