Former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko has spoken out on the current managerial situation claiming that the club should stick to what they already have and appoint John Kennedy as permanent manager going forward.
Speaking to the Sunday Post, the Danish defender worked under Kennedy with both Ronny Deila and Brendan Rodgers at the helm and insists that the current interim boss has what it takes to become the next Celtic manager.
“I keep an eye on what’s going at Celtic.
“I’m aware of the managerial situation and the links with Eddie Howe, and he is one of several names to be linked with taking over from Neil Lennon.
“He has an excellent record from his time in England at Bournemouth. But there hasn’t been a full agreement, as yet.
“There are a number of key roles needing to be filled, and other changes have already been made.
“The job of head coach is, arguably, the most-important role at any football club.
“And, for me, the answer to that one is staring right at them – it’s John Kennedy.
“I worked under John, and he knows his football. He is very good tactically and is an excellent communicator.
“He also has the respect of the players, so he deserves a chance, in my opinion.
“John understands the demands of the job, and what Celtic is all about.
“When I look at the likes of Manchester United giving the job to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Arsenal bringing in Mikel Arteta, it’s positive to see former players being given the main roles.
“Football clubs always like to bring their own players from the Academy into the first team. They like to show there is a road to the highest level.
“It should be the same with coaches, and it would be a great message to show that Celtic coaches have a pathway to the top job.
“John can start right now, so why not do it? There is no time to waste. Making his appointment permanent brings stability, and everyone can move forward.
“Of course, the big question then becomes: ‘Can John win the League next season?’. That is very hard to predict – but it is possible”
A lot of people m would probably agree that it might be a little too early for Kennedy to take permanent charge of the Hoops.
One thing I would say though, in my opinion, he has shown a lot of good qualities when it comes to being a head coach and it is evident that we have begun to play some nicer football on the part in recent weeks than we have seen all season.
Ideally, we will have a new manager in the door as soon as possible and if he decides that he doesn’t want Kennedy to be part of his backroom team, hopefully, he can go away and gain some experience before possibly coming back one day, an even better coach.
