Neil Lennon recently came close to becoming manager of Republic of Ireland and returns to coaching after an 18-month hiatus with Rapid Bucharest having previously led Omonia Nicosia to Cypriot Cup success in 2022
Monday 20 May 2024 15:21, UK
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has been appointed head coach of Rapid Bucharest.
Rapid finished sixth in the Romanian top flight following their final match on Sunday. Lennon has signed a two-year deal until summer of 2026.
He recently came close to becoming manager of Republic of Ireland and returns to coaching after an 18-month hiatus. The 52-year-old led Omonia Nicosia to Cypriot Cup success in 2022 and then the Europa League group stage.
Quoted on Rapid's website, Lennon said: "I hope to create a strong connection between myself and the fans, but that comes with getting positive results and performing. It is my responsibility. I know they are very passionate supporters who love the club. They are similar to Celtic fans."
Lennon's second spell in charge of Celtic ended in February 2021, having previously managed them between 2010 and 2014.
Co-owner Dan Sucu believes the arrival of Lennon will bring new discipline to the team.
"He comes from a soccer culture, the Anglo-Saxon one, based on seriousness, work, success," he said on the club's website. "A culture where decisions, once made, are no longer commented on or negotiated, but simply implemented.
"A coach with exceptional results, experienced but still young, energetic, very authoritative, a true leader.
"I am convinced that we will no longer have players who demonstrate their speed at three in the morning from the disco or on the ski slopes, or who show up to the team with extra pounds than the optimal weight.
"I am also convinced that next season the physical preparation, commitment and determination of our team will be at a significantly increased level compared to the season just ended."
Sky Sports News understands that Robbie Keane is open to returning to English football.
The former Tottenham star won the Israeli Premier League in his first season in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv after taking the job in July 2023.
The former Liverpool, West Ham and Leeds United player led Maccabi Tel Aviv to 24 wins, seven draws and three losses in their 34 outings this season.
Maccabi also won the Toto Cup in January, sealing the double.
The 2023/24 season has reached its conclusion but planning has already started for the new campaign.
Several Premier League sides have confirmed pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2024/25 term, which kicks off on the weekend of August 17/18, while others have given fresh kits an early airing.
The Premier League fixtures - all 380 of them - will be released at 9am on Tuesday, June 18, with full coverage on Sky Sports News and Sky Sports' digital platforms.
The new EFL season starts on the weekend of August 10/11 and marks the launch of Sky Sports+, giving more choice to sports fans via live streams and a new dedicated channel, at no extra cost. In a broadcasting first, every EFL game across all three divisions - the Championship, League One and League Two - will be streamed live on the opening weekend.
Stand by for another busy summer in the transfer window - clubs can do business from June 14 until August 30 and the Sky Sports Transfer Centre will keep you posted with all the latest news and rumours.
Euro 2024 is just weeks away, too. Keep track of England's Euro fixtures, check out the full tournament schedule in Germany and join us on skysports.com or the Sky Sports app to follow every game with our live match blogs.
