Celtic’s search for a new manager is already underway in earnest following the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers on Monday night. Supporters were left outraged after the team lost 3-1 to Hearts, but the Northern Irishman’s resignation still came as a surprise.
Major shareholder Dermot Desmond issued a statement after Rodgers’ departure, saying the former manager’s actions had “contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club” and condemning his comments as “divisive, misleading and self-serving”. Under caretaker manager Martin O’Neill, Celtic’s 4-0 win over Falkirk on Wednesday night reduced Hearts’ eight-point lead to just six points and they will face Rangers in this Sunday’s League Cup semi-final.
Despite the action on the field, all eyes will be on who will take the reins at Parkhead next. Here, Express Football brings you all the latest developments in the Celtic Park manager’s hunt.
Timeline revealed – “Gaffe”
Caretaker manager O’Neill admitted his suggestion to stay longer at Celtic was a “gaffe” and admitted the club wanted someone appointed as soon as possible.
After the midweek win, the 73-year-old, who was the club’s manager from 2000 to 2005, spoke about striker Johnny Kenny’s exploits and his future at the club.
When asked about Kenney’s double on Wednesday night, O’Neal said, “It definitely helps. He’s a young player who’s working his way through the game and learning his trade as he goes.”
“And I’m probably hoping that whether I’m here for a long time or a short time, it’s likely to be short and he can pick up some things.”
When pressed further on the possibility of him staying at Celtic long-term, the Northern Irishman added: “No, no, that was a gaffe.”
He claimed that the club plans to secure a new manager as soon as possible and there is no possibility of him returning to the team permanently in the long term.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, O’Neill said: “This is definitely interim. They could appoint a manager within two weeks. If we don’t win on Wednesday night, they might appoint a new manager on Thursday. Celtic will be looking for a young manager with a very decent CV.”
Plan A was abandoned
According to reports, plans to target current Wales manager Craig Bellamy this summer have been scrapped following Rodgers’ sudden departure. talkSPORT report that Celtic bosses are planning to make an approach for him next summer.
Rodgers did not sign a contract extension for the 2025/26 season, leaving the club to discuss potential replacements, including Bellamy.
The Wales head coach has been praised by Celtic during his time with the national team, having remained unbeaten in their opening nine matches against the likes of Turkey, Iceland and Montenegro. The 46-year-old is unlikely to quit midway through as Wales are currently campaigning to qualify for the World Cup.
Possible successors include Kieran McKenna, Robbie Keane, Jetil Knudsen and Nicky Hayen.
Ange Postecoglou, who won five major titles including three domestic titles with the club, was also rumored to be making a sensational return. However, Sky Sports News suggests that this move is now highly unlikely.
