This week has been a crazy rollercoaster of affairs when it comes to Celtic’s new manager. The Bhoys have been in discussions with plenty of coaches and it would appear we’re finally on the verge of an announcement.
The Hoops were targeting Roy Keane last week but a U-turn has been taken in their hunt for a new boss.
What’s the word?
News emerged on Thursday evening that Celtic were in advanced talks to bring Eddie Howe to Parkhead. However, according to GIVEMESPORT, the Hoops are still considering hiring John Kennedy on a permanent basis.
After Neil Lennon left his job behind, the coach was placed in temporary charge of the team, and it is now thought that there is still very much a possibility that the 37-year-old could become their new manager full-time.
Kennedy has been in the frame for a few weeks now but it may come as a surprise to see that he’s still on their radar given the links to Keane, Howe and Lucien Favre over the last seven days.
Bad news for Celtic
This is news which is unlikely to be welcomed too much by the Green Brigade. Kennedy has done a lot for Celtic as assistant manager but he’s too much like Lennon. Since being made interim manager, he hasn’t exactly set the world alight.
Celtic’s shoddy form has continued and Rangers have now ultimately won the league. The Bhoys did win their first match with Kennedy at the helm but their display against Dundee United was lacking in inspiration and fight.
Their 0-0 draw at Tannadice a few weeks ago allowed the Gers to win the title and, try as they might, Celtic couldn’t score.
[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown" title="Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!"]
Lennon may no longer be in the dugout but many of the issues which plagued his final season at Paradise have been a problem with Kennedy, too.
Their 1-1 draw with their fierce rivals a fortnight ago was also far from inspiring. Defensive issues were evident again as Jonjoe Kenny played a lacklustre backpass which led to Alfredo Morelos’ first Old Firm goal.
In that match and against Dundee United, his substitutions lacked a cutting edge. He rather ludicrously dragged David Turnbull off after the hour mark in that clash and he has given James Forrest just 12 minutes of action in both games.
Many fans will likely be crying out for a little bit more. In someone like Howe, they’d have a fresh voice on the training pitch, and the Celtic hierarchy need to move on from the likes of Kennedy.