Neil Lennon insists he was compelled to take on the challenge of the Dunfermline Athletic job after extensive talks with the club's owners last week.
The Celtic legend has been appointed as the Fife outfit's manager until the end of the season.
The Pars are in relegation bother at the foot of the Championship. They have just seven games to preserve their status in the second tier of Scottish football.
They sit ninth in the table, just six points clear of Airdrieonians at the bottom. Hamilton are two ahead in eighth.
⚫️ "They made a very compelling argument for taking the job..." Neil Lennon on the talks that convinced him to take charge of Championship side Dunfermline 🔽 pic.twitter.com/cE8LMh6Xah
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 25, 2025
However, Lenny is never one to shy away from a challenge, as his discussions with owner James Bord concluded.
"It's a privilege," the Northern Irishman said. "Last week, we had a lot of conversations between myself, the chairman and the owner. They made a very compelling argument for taking the job.
"There's an old adage from Sir Alex [Ferguson] where sometimes you pick the owners rather than pick the club.
"We've got a good one here. Further down the line, he's got really good aspirations for the future of the club.
"I wanted to align myself with that. So, I'm excited.
"We have a lot of work to do, which is not going to happen instantly, but I've had a good response from the players over the last two days. I'm delighted with their attitude and application.
"It's great to be back involved in football. I know how competitive and attritional the Championship can be.
"I know we're not in the best of form at the minute, so that is a challenge for myself to turn the psychology of the club and dressing room around."
Asked if he is a different manager now compared to his previous stints in Scottish football, Lenny said: "Yeah. No question.
"That's four or five years ago and the last time I was in the Championship was with Hibs.
"You learn from all of the experiences as you go along.
"I really enjoyed my time with the media as well, believe it or not.
"But you know, coaching is always what I want to do. I don't know how long this is going to be. We'll take a view on it as we go along but I am very excited at the prospect of trying, endeavouring to take Dunfermline forward."
