Neil Lennon reveals Rapid Bucharest decision as Celtic hero talks 'project' plan

Neil Lennon has revealed his decision-making process behind becoming Rapid Bucharest's new manager.

The former Celtic player and manager shocked punters this week as he was announced as the new boss at the Romanian club for his first job since leaving Omonia in 2022. Lennon has been out of work since but the Northern Irishman has never given up the desire to be a gaffer and, when asked if Bucharest might be of interest, the 52-year-old jumped at the chance.

Lennon explained how it all came together relatively quickly and that, following a conversation with the higher-ups at his new club, it was revealed to be an ambitious and exciting project.

He said: "It sort of materialised over the last month or so. I got contacted by an agent, the CV went in and then I spoke to the club on a Zoom call. I was in Athens about 10 days ago and the owner flew out to meet me from Bucharest and we had a long conversation about how he sees the club and what my role would be.

“And I was very impressed by him. He’s got big plans for the club. He’s only taken over the club in the last couple of years but already he’s putting his stamp on the club.

“He’s a very principled man, I liked him a lot and I liked the project he was trying to sell of the club.”