The noise suggests Celtic are down to eight serious contenders and here’s where the most credible candidates stand
Celtic are narrowing their search for their next manager and reports over the last 24 hours they now have a firm idea over who they want to replace Brendan Rodgers.
Well, firm-ish.
Martin O’Neill made it clear when he took the reins in the interim that he was only here for the meantime and the 73-year-old indicated the club were after a younger manager to lead them long-term.
What’s followed is a who’s who of linked managers who fit that exact description.
So, after reports emerged claiming they are now down to their final eight candidates, Record Sport have the rule over the eight most serious contenders at this stage – and what we know about where they stand on taking the job.
Efrain Juarez
The most recent man to emerge as a serious option, former Hoops midfielder Juarez might have reason to wonder why he’s not really been talked up for the job until now.
He served as Ronny Deila’s No.2 at three different clubs before breaking out on his own and instantly winning the Colombian league and cup double with Atletico Nacional.
He took the Pumas job in his native Mexico earlier this year and is a rapidly rising name in management.
Juarez is so new to the frame we’re yet to hear from him either way but an opportunity like this at this stage in his career – and the chance to close out some unfinished business in Glasgow – is highly likely to appeal.
Nicky Hayen
The Club Brugge boss has been one of the most heavily touted without ever really taking a turn as the frontrunner.
He directly responded to the noise around him ahead of his side’s clash with Barcelona, keeping his cards close to his chest when he said: “I haven’t thought about that for a second. I have someone who represents my interests and who also knows exactly when to inform me. That’s not an issue yet.”
That’s by no means a no, is it? File under ‘wait and see’.
Craig Bellamy
We understand former Hoops winger and current Wales boss Bellamy was one of the early favourites of Hoops’ decision-makers and, when Gordon Strachan hinted the next boss isn’t going to be available until December, that appeared to line up with Wales’ World Cup qualifying schedule.
But the Welsh FA have been adamant his focus lies on getting them to the World Cup and he delivered words of a similar effect when asked about it ahead of their final two clashes.
“I can understand the links because I played there,” he said. “I’m coaching, so I definitely understand the links. But to me, I love what I’m doing at the present moment. I have to be honest.
“I’m completely focused on what’s set to come – there’s going to be a play-off in March, we know that. And to me, that’s all I’m focused on. I know it’s a little bit cliched but it’s the honest truth.”
If he’s committed to staying on until March then that may well rule him out completely.
Robbie Keane
There’s a rather ugly geopolitical elephant in the room where Keane is concerned and that’s one the board will have to consider if he’s being moved forward as a serious candidate. They have, after all, angered the fanbase enough over the past few months.
On the footballing side of it, the Ferencvaros boss makes sense. And everything coming out of his camp appears to indicate he’s seriously interested.
This may be a case of whether Celtic are willing to go for it, rather than the other way around.
Kieran McKenna
The Ipswich boss will cost something in the region of £5m, but if Celtic are willing to pay it, it’s understood the English club won’t stand in their manager’s way if he wants to pursue it.
When originally asked about it last month, it was a firm ‘there’s nothing in it’ from the 39-year-old.
When asked last week, his tone had softened somewhat.
“It’s not something I’ve given any thought to and where any part of my concentration is this week to be honest,” he said.
“I know I’ve got a really special job here at a special club, a massive football club that I have and have built a great affinity to and we’re in a really important season and a really important stage of the season.
“We’ve got a big week coming up, three big games starting on Saturday at QPR, so honestly anything outside of that hasn’t touched my radar this week. I’ve not had any of those conversations or anything of the like.”
With the international break coming up, this one could move.
Ange Postecoglou
He doesn’t quite fit the profile suggested by the rest of the real contenders, but if there’s one man to make an exception for, here he is.
There have been indications Postecoglou doesn’t quite fancy heading back to Celtic at this stage, and given it would likely mean foregoing a significant chunk of his Nottingham Forest payoff, you don’t have to look hard to see why.
After a messy year that’s seen him sacked by Tottenham and Forest, it makes sense if he wants to take some time out of it.
On the other hand, if he could be convinced? Celtic would be mad not to have the conversation.
Much of the squad is the one he assembled and his return may be the best route to keeping hold of, and getting the best out of, Daizen Maeda.
The Aussie has been quiet though and there’s been nothing concrete to suggest he’s keen.
Wilfried Nancy
The Frenchman emerged seemingly from nowhere and it’s often those ones that carry some weight.
He’s been talked up by Alistair Johnston in the past, who credited Nancy – who was assistant to Thierry Henry while he was coming through at CF Monteal – for turning him into an attacking full-back.
The right-back said in 2021: “Playing in this system really challenges you to do something different. I think we all took some steps in our offensive game this year.
“Wilfried told me, ‘We want you to get in behind,’ and it was a really good stepping stone for me.”
Kjetil Knutsen
Given Bodo/Glimt’s domestic season finishes at the end of November, he’s another one many looked straight to when Strachan hinted at the timeline for the next boss’ arrival.
For now, he says he’s focused on Bodo, who are locked in a thrilling title race with Viking as it stands.
By the end of next month though he may have won a fifth league title in six years – a logical time to move on to something bigger and better.
