Victor Wanyama; Repaying Neil Lennon at Dunfermline was ‘no-brainer’

Victor Wanyama revealed the chance to repay Neil Lennon coupled with the ambition of Dunfermline’s new owners had made his surprise move to Fife a “no-brainer” on his part.

The 33-year-old has reunited with his former Celtic manager after signing a short-term deal soon after Lennon took over.

The former Southampton and Tottenham midfielder is now facing a relegation battle in the William Hill Championship with second-bottom Dunfermline currently in the play-off position.

Wanyama first signed for Lennon in 2011 when he moved from Belgian side Beerschot and was a key player for Celtic, scoring in a Champions League win over Barcelona before earning a big-money move to the Premier League.

The Kenya international, who recently ended a four-year stay with Major League Soccer side Montreal, said: “The manager has played a big part in my career and he asked me to come and help him out. I said: ‘Why not?’ He has played a big part in my career so I said I would come down and give him a hand.

“Also, I spoke to the owner. He is very ambitious. When he told me what he wants and what his intentions are for the cub, it was a no-brainer. He is so passionate about the game and wants to take the club to the next level.”

Las Vegas-based James Bord and Evan Sofer recently purchased a majority stake in the club and Lennon has spoken enthusiastically about the approach of the former to analytics and his plans for the club.

Wanyama added: “I had some other places to go but once Neil phoned me, then I couldn’t think of anything else.”

Wanyama will see another familiar face on Saturday when he is set to make his debut against an Ayr side who are managed by his former Celtic captain Scott Brown.

“I haven’t spoken to him but I will get in touch with him,” Wanyama said. “I met him and we had a discussion when I went it down to Celtic to watch a game.

“It’s going to be good playing against him as a manager. Of course me and the gaffer are teaming up against him so it’s going to be nice. I feel like it’s a little bit of a fairytale, I am looking forward to it.”

Wanyama’s deal lasts until the end of the season but he did not rule out extending his stay.

“My intention is to help the club stay in the league and then after that we can sit down and discuss again,” he said.