The debate over Celtic’s next manager continues, and journalist Mark Guidi believes Robbie Keane may currently have the edge over Martin O’Neill.
The club has yet to announce who will lead the team into next season, despite O’Neill guiding Celtic to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double after returning to the dugout. Discussions remain ongoing as the board weigh up their options.
Keane has emerged as a serious contender in recent weeks. The former Celtic striker is available after leaving Ferencvaros and has already been linked with a coaching team that could include familiar faces from Scottish football.
That has left supporters wondering why a decision has not already been made, particularly given what O’Neill achieved in a short space of time after returning to the club.
Guidi shared his thoughts while discussing the situation.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “I don’t think either of them have been offered the job yet, Paul…
“But, right now, I would make Robbie Keane 60-40 favourite to get the nod ahead of Martin O’Neill.
“I think Martin would’ve been offered it by now, and I think he should’ve been offered it by now.
“I see the headline on the back page of the Sun, and I get it. Derek McGregor’s story about, you know, ‘Martin v Robbie’.
“But do you know what that looks like to me? And that’s nothing against The Sun or the story… I just think it’s really disrespectful for Martin O’Neill, considering what he’s achieved in his two spells this season.
“To still have to fight for the job, ten days after he won the league and cup double, and it looks as though it’s still hanging out there?
“I just think it… it doesn’t sit well with me, that one.”
Guidi’s comments reflect a view held by some supporters who feel O’Neill’s work since returning should have strengthened his case. Celtic looked a different side during the closing weeks of the campaign and finished the season with both major domestic trophies.
At the same time, the fact Keane remains heavily involved in the process suggests Celtic are considering more than just recent results. The board must decide whether to stick with the manager who delivered immediate success or move towards a younger appointment with a longer-term outlook.
For now, neither man appears to have received a final answer. With pre-season drawing closer, attention remains fixed on the next move from the Celtic boardroom.
Martin O’Neill done wonders through all the trouble on the pitch and off shambolic protest in cup and euro games embarrising for or players having to help our fround staff clear the pitch while oppisition stood there watching that took the heart out of the players focus shame on them for doing this selfish act you dont represent our club a lot of supports missed out on games by this lot surely you have enough photos to cut the head off the snake ultras are young teenagers getting led men that cant lead men so the mix with the easy led them and the anurchist that keep flying the hamas flag are stopping goid players going to our club cant you see