Celtic’s search for a permanent manager continues, but a new report suggests the club may already have a plan in place for Martin O’Neill even if he does not remain in the dugout.
O’Neill returned to steady the ship last season and ended the campaign with both the Premiership and Scottish Cup. Discussions over his future have been ongoing since the season ended, with no final decision announced by the club.
While O’Neill remains under consideration, Robbie Keane has also emerged as a leading contender for the role. The former Celtic striker recently left Ferencvaros after a spell in Hungary and has already held talks with the club’s decision-makers.
According to talkSPORT, Celtic are willing to keep O’Neill involved in another capacity should he decide that continuing as manager is not the right move.
That would allow the club to retain the experience and knowledge of a figure who knows Parkhead well, while also moving forward with a new appointment in the dugout.
The same report claims Keane is currently well placed in the race for the position.
The Irishman has built a growing reputation since moving into management. He guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli title before winning the Hungarian championship with Ferencvaros.
His connection to Celtic is also well known. During a loan spell from Tottenham in 2010, Keane scored 16 goals in just 19 appearances and quickly became a popular figure among supporters.
The manager search has been one of the biggest talking points around the club since the season ended. O’Neill’s success after returning made him a strong candidate to continue, but Celtic have also been looking at longer-term options.
If the latest claims are accurate, the club may not view the situation as a straight choice between O’Neill and Keane.
Instead, there appears to be a possibility that both men could still have a role to play going forward. One would lead the team from the touchline, while the other could remain involved behind the scenes as Celtic prepare for another season that will bring domestic expectations and European challenges.
I have been a supporter for over 60 years but this is a step too far. If Keane is to become Celtic’s new manager, I will no longer support Celtic. This is not Desmond’s club, it is our club. I will not support a club run by one fraudulent stupid man who shows nothing but contempt for the supporters.