- Neil Lennon reveals informal talks and influence from former Rangers forward Sir Alex Ferguson.
- Ferguson’s Dunfermline legacy and personal contact described as “intimidating” but inspirational ahead of Celtic final.
- Hampden build-up shaped by Rangers-linked figure as Lennon aims to create new history.
Neil Lennon has revealed he held an informal conference with former Rangers forward Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of Dunfermline Athletic’s Scottish Cup final clash with Celtic, offering a glimpse into the motivational atmosphere surrounding the Pars’ preparations at Hampden.
Lennon, speaking in the build-up to the showpiece against Martin O’Neill’s side, described the presence and influence of Ferguson around the club’s historical links as both “intimidating” and inspiring, with the former Rangers striker’s legacy still heavily visible throughout East End Park.
Ferguson joined Rangers from the Pars in 1967, after netting 66 goals in 89 games in Fife.
Neil Lennon on Sir Alex Ferguson legacy at East End Park
For the former Hibs boss and his club, the occasion represents a rare return to the national stage, with Lennon leaning on experience and history as he attempts to guide the Fifers to a famous cup triumph.
“Yeah, there’s pictures everywhere,” Lennon said. “You know the team in the 60s, there’s pictures of Fergie everywhere, Jock Stein. It’s quite intimidating really.”
The Dunfermline manager also revealed the close relationship he maintains with Ferguson, who remains a prominent figure in Scottish football folklore following his playing career in Fife before his rise to global prominence in management.
“Fergie keeps in touch,” Lennon said.
“I sent him a photograph, he goes, ‘I was quite handsome when I was young, wasn’t I Neil?’
“He loved his time here as a player at Dunfermline.
“He is someone who you call every now and again or he calls me and just asks about how things are and we have a chat about things which is brilliant for me obviously, speaking to someone like that.”
While Ferguson’s influence looms large in the club’s heritage, Lennon was clear that the focus remains firmly on the present and the opportunity to write a new chapter in Dunfermline’s history.
“So yeah, there is a history there,” he added. “We want to make a new history.”
Sir Alex Ferguson has tumultuous Ibrox relationship
Ferguson spent two seasons at Ibrox, netting 35 times across 66 appearances.
However the Manchester United legend was blamed for a goal conceded in the 1969 Scottish Cup final.
He failed to pick up his man as Celtic defeated the Gers and was exiled from the Ibrox first team afterwards.
However, in recent years his attitude has returned to one more favourable of the Gers.
“I really support Rangers is when they play Celtic. The big one,” he said previously.
He also praised the dignity of the Ibrox support during the club’s journey back from the lower leagues.
“I think it was a lesson to the ones who voted to put them out because the crowds went down, they were missing the Rangers fans,” Ferguson explained.
“I can’t remember all the reasons why that happened but they could have found a better solution to it.
“At the end of the day the health of the game is derived around supporters and those supporters weren’t there.
“But to get back, it was a long journey, it wasn’t overnight.
“I was surprised about Rangers, after they got back in the Premier League, they [the fans] still travelled.
“They could easily have said ‘well I’m not going there, you voted us out’. But they kept their dignity.”
Readrangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
The comments from Lennon come on the eve of a major domestic final that pits Dunfermline against a Celtic side managed by O’Neill.
With the occasion carrying significant weight for both clubs for very different reasons.
While Lennon remains a Celtic legend, he is due to battle against his former side and has the backing of a former Rangers hero to do so.
