Former Hibs boss eyes wrecking Easter Road European hopes as 'disrespectful' doubters called out
The only man standing in the way of the Hibees’ European dream is a club icon
Dunfermline Athletic manager Neil Lennon could end Hibs’ European hopes this weekend with a win in the Scottish Cup final over Celtic - but he hasn’t been happy with the ‘disrespectful’ narrative leading up to the game.
The Pars boss spent two and a half years in the dugout at Easter Road, where he helped Hibs qualify for Europe during the 2017/18 season. Eight years on, he now has a chance to end their hopes, as a win over Celtic would mean the ‘trickle down’ effect wouldn’t come into play. However, if the Hoops complete the league and cup double, Hibs would qualify for the Conference League second round qualifiers.
Lennon, who’ll be up against his former Celtic mentor Martin O’Neill on Saturday, hasn’t been impressed with everyone writing his side off before a ball has been kicked. While the domestic dominance of the champions will see them go into the final as clear favourites, the Championship outfit have scalped Hibs, Aberdeen and Falkirk on their way to Hampden and are now just one more upset away from a historic cup triumph.
Lennon slams ‘disrespectful’ doubters ahead of Scottish Cup final
Speaking ahead of the match, Lennon said: “I wouldn’t dismiss us. We’re the underdogs, but underdogs bite. It just adds fuel for me. It’s great. It’s disrespectful, which again, I don’t mind. We will come with an inner belief that we can achieve something here. We’re under no illusions how difficult that’s going to be.
“It would be amazing (a win for the fans). They’ve not been to the cup final since 2007. So first of all, this is brilliant. And then to win the cup, galvanise them, give them a huge sense of happiness and pride. You are the underdog, it’s an underdog story. There’s no question about that. We’re taking on Goliath here – David beat Goliath.”
The Fife side recently just missed out on promotion to the Premiership as they were defeated 3-2 on aggregate by Partick Thistle in the play-off semi-finals, but their manager is hoping that can add some extra fuel to the fire for Saturday. He added: “There is a history there. We want to make a new history. We want to be at the top table. We’ve come a little bit short this season in terms of the league but this is a huge bonus for us.”
How can Hibs still qualify for Europe?
The final day 1-0 defeat to Motherwell was a blow as it meant Hibs finished fifth - out of the conventional Premiership European places via the top four. However as Celtic defeated Hearts 3-1 at Parkhead to defend their title crown, it kept David Gray’s hopes alive. If Celtic beat Dunfermline and complete the double, the ‘trickle down’ effect would mean Hibs qualify for the continent regardless.
Elsewhere, third placed Rangers would enter the Europa League instead of the Conference, while second placed Hearts and fourth placed Motherwell’s European routes would remain the same. However, if Lennon lifts the trophy for the ninth time in his career, Dunfermline would take the Europa League spot, Rangers would remain in Conference qualification and Hibs would be lose out on Europe altogether.