John Kennedy is rumoured to want to join Ange Postecoglou at Spurs. I’m here to advocate on John’s behalf, not that he asked!

If the whisperings are indeed true and Kennedy desires to join Postecoglou at Spurs, the Celtic board mustn’t stand in his way.

This is not because I believe John is an inferior coach; far from it. Instead, it is an acknowledgement that Kennedy may have hit his zenith at Celtic Park, barring someone within the club offering him the coveted manager’s position, which currently seems an improbable scenario.

John Kennedy’s ties with Celtic run deep, stretching over two decades of dedicated service. However, this connection should not shackle him to a place where his growth could be stunted. A venture to a new club in London could offer global exposure that would benefit not just his career, but Celtic, should he ever decide to return to Glasgow.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Kennedy’s unique contributions. It would be a simplistic view to blindly advocate for Celtic to retain him at all costs. John Kennedy is more than just a cog in the Celtic machine; he feels in with the bricks and mortar. His rapport with the players is genuine, his commitment to training is relentless. This is a man who has the respect of the players while building meaningful relationships within the team.

3rd June 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Final, Celtic versus Inverness Caledonian Thistle; Celtic coach John Kennedy chats to ex Celtic player Ryan Christie
REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Football – Celtic v Heart of Midlothian – Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership – Celtic Park – 26/9/15
Celtic’s manager, Ronny Deila (L) and his assistants John Collins (2nd L) and John Kennedy
Action Images via Reuters / Graham Stuart
Livepic
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – March 21, 2021 Celtic manager John Kennedy REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Ange Postecoglou, known for maintaining a respectful distance from his players, offers a contrasting management style. This balance between Postecoglou’s almost detached leadership and Kennedy’s personable approach created magic at Celtic.

John’s coaching prowess is no secret. Highly rated by every manager who has had the privilege to work alongside him at Celtic – Deila, Lennon, and Rodgers, who even sought to bring Kennedy to Leicester – his skills have not gone unnoticed. The fact that Ange wants to take Kennedy to Spurs is a testament to the man himself.

Unfortunately, the lingering odour of the pandemic season has led some fans to overlook Kennedy’s contributions, readily dismissing him with a ‘good riddance’ if he does decide to go. This is a misstep. Losing Kennedy would mean losing a top coach and person. The club’s efforts to retain him clearly acknowledge this fact.

However, there comes a time when we must confront the difficult reality: sometimes, the best thing for the club isn’t necessarily the best for the individual. As Celtic fans, we must appreciate Kennedy’s immense contributions but also respect his ambition to grow and develop, even if that path leads him away from Celtic Park.

The Celtic assistant’s potential move to Spurs could represent a new chapter in his career and a fresh perspective that he can bring back to Celtic in the future.

If it does come to fruition, we should all wish John well.

1 COMMENT

  1. What you really mean , Craig F ???? you want shot of him ! That would be a mistake. Keep the big man at Lennoxtown.

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