The extraordinary performance achieved in Scotland by Neil Lennon, the former coach of the Rapid
Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Monday, April 20, 2026, 11:18 / Updated Monday, April 20, 2026 11:20
Neil Lennon (54), his former coach Rapid in the period May 2024 – August 2024, he achieved an extraordinary performance. The Northern Irishman qualified with Second Division Dunfermline for the Scottish Cup final, where they will face Celtic.
Dunfermline beat Falkirk in the semi-final on penalties 4-2 after 0-0 after 120 minutes of play.
Neil Lennon qualified for the Scottish Cup final with Dunfermline
Dunfermline made their Scottish Cup debut in the third round, where they won against Queen of South, 2-1. In the “sixteenths”, the team coached by Neil Lennon defeated Hibernian with the score 1-0, and in the “eighths” they passed Kelty Hearts with the score 2-0.
In the quarter-finals of the competition, Dunfermline pulled off a real surprise, beating Aberdeen 3-0.
Thus, the team coached by Neil Lennon will play in the final of the Scottish Cup on May 25, in the company of Celtic, the country's most successful team, which includes players such as Kieran Tierney, former Arsenal player, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, former Arsenal and Liverpool player or Kelechi Iheanacho, former Manchester City and Leicester player.
Neil Lennon lasted only 6 stages on Rapid's bench
Neil Lennon made his Rapid debut in the 2024-2025 season in a 1-1 away draw with UTA Arad. In his first match in Giulești, his team drew with CFR Cluj, score 2-2, after which the away defeat followed against Petrolul, score 0-1.
Later, Lennon recorded 3 consecutive draws, 2-2 at home with Sepsi, 1-1 away with FC Buzău and 1-1 at home with Dinamo, after which he was dismissed and replaced by Marius Șumudică.
During his career, Neil Lennon has coached Celtic on several occasions and also coached Bolton, Hibernian and Omonia Nikosia.
