Celtic’s next manager won’t just be walking into a rebuild. He’ll be walking straight into a decision that could define his first season before a ball is even kicked.
And it’s not about tactics or the style that fans will watch from the stands. It’s about the man between the sticks.
Because while the debate rages over who should take the job long-term – with Scott Brown backing Martin O’Neill and others calling for a younger, modern appointment – there’s a far more immediate call looming in the background.
Who is Celtic’s number one next season?
For years, it’s been the one position the club have got right.
Strip away the chaos of the COVID season – when it felt like a weekly raffle between Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard – and there’s been consistency, authority and leadership.
Craig Gordon. Fraser Forster. Joe Hart. And most recently, Kasper Schmeichel.
Big personalities. Proven winners. Safe hands.
Even Schmeichel, before injury cut him down, looked every inch the latest in that line.
But now? The safety net is gone.
Schmeichel’s long-term future was already up in the air before his injury, and the reality is Celtic are heading into a summer where they may need to replace yet another experienced No.1.
Step forward Viljami Sinisalo.
Quietly, without fuss, he’s done what’s been asked of him. Twice now he’s stepped in when needed and hasn’t looked out of place. There were murmurs about him leaving last summer, internal discussions about his pathway, his future.
He stayed. And he’s taken his chance.
Now comes the real test.
Because the next manager won’t have the luxury of easing into this one. He’ll need to decide quickly: does he trust what’s already in the building, or does he go out and sign another “guarantee”?
Another Hart. Another Schmeichel. Another big name to steady the ship.
It’s the safe option. The Celtic way, even.
But it’s not always the right one.
Sinisalo has six games left this season – potentially seven if Celtic reach the cup final – to make that decision as difficult as possible.
He’s shown composure and confidence. But can he handle the pressure when it really matters? Can he be the man, not just the stand-in?
That’s what the next manager will be judging.
And in a summer full of uncertainty, it might just be the biggest call he makes.
