News Focus
- Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane are the leading candidates to become Celtic’s next permanent manager
- The Scottish champions want a swift appointment before the summer transfer window begins
- O’Neill, aged 74, won a league and cup double during two temporary spells this season
- Keane, aged 45, recently left Ferencvaros after gaining experience in Hungary and Israel
- Rivals for the post, including Jens Berthel Askou and Craig Bellamy, are no longer available
Celtic Football Club stands at a crossroads as the board prepares to select a new permanent manager. The two men leading the race are club legend Martin O’Neill and former striker Robbie Keane.
The Glasgow giants want to make a quick decision. They hope to have a new boss in place before the summer transfer window opens. This will allow the manager to rebuild the squad for the next campaign.
O’Neill came out of retirement to rescue Celtic’s season. The 74-year-old Northern Irishman took charge twice on a temporary basis. First, he replaced Brendan Rodgers. Then he stepped in after Wilfried Nancy departed. He guided the team to a fifth consecutive league title. He also lifted the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park ten days ago.
The veteran manager looked visibly tired after the cup final. He admitted he could not start another season immediately. However, he refused to rule out a possible return. He suggested the club might prefer a younger man. Despite this, his steady leadership and experience have made him a popular choice. Players have spoken glowingly about his impact on the dressing room.
If we examine O’Neill’s points record in the league, Celtic would have won the title more comfortably over a full season. He worked closely with coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham. This trio could continue together next term, even if only for one year while the club rebuilds.
Keane offers a different option. The 45-year-old former Republic of Ireland international recently left his post at Ferencvaros in Hungary. He has also managed Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. He won league titles in both countries during his nascent career.
His time in Hungary ended on a mixed note. Ferencvaros failed to defend their league crown this season. They missed out by a single point to ETO Gyor despite having the most expensive squad in the division. However, they did win the Hungarian Cup as consolation. In Europe, Keane’s team overperformed. They reached the last 16 of the Europa League, finishing 12th in the league phase. They defeated Rangers and other strong teams along the way.
Keane prefers attacking football. He often uses a 3-5-2 formation. He instructs his centre-backs to play forward passes. He does not like them to keep the ball at the back without purpose.
Two other possible choices are no longer available. Jens Berthel Askou has moved from Motherwell to Toulouse. Craig Bellamy will stay with the Wales national team. This leaves O’Neill and Keane as the final candidates.
Supporters have shared their views on the club’s next move. Some want O’Neill to stay for one more year. They believe his experience is vital for stability. Others think Keane represents the future. He understands the club culture from his playing days on the pitch. Former Celtic captain Scott Brown and coach Jonny Hayes could join Keane’s backroom staff, alongside Stephen Glass.
The board must now decide between the safety of experience and the promise of a new era at Parkhead.