Celtic to make decision on appointing new manager – ‘it’s happening’
Celtic have been searching for their next permanent manager since Brendan Rodgers sensationally walked away from the club in dramatic circumstances.
Since Rodgers opted to quit Celtic on 27 October, Martin O’Neill has taken the reins at interim boss and endured a successful run of domestic form since his appointment.
The 73-year-old oversaw a 4-0 win against Falkirk in his first game in charge, followed by a 3-1 win against Rangers and a 4-0 win against Kilmarnock.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 7 November that O’Neill is the font-runner for the Celtic job as they advance towards landing their next permanent boss.
However, they are still considering a number of high-profile options, with the likes of Kjetil Knutsen and Wilfried Nancy both recent tips for the position.
Celtic plan to make managerial decision ‘soon’
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 10 November that Nancy is immediately available for Celtic after his Columbus Crew side were dumped out of the MLS playoffs.
With the international break now underway, Celtic are hopeful of making a decision over the managerial position before their return to club football later this month.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that whether a new appointment is made, or O’Neill extends his interim spell, a decision will be made “soon”.
“The thing is for Celtic, they’ll want to make a decision soon,” he told Football Insider.
“I think the international break gives them the opportunity to get something over the lines in the next couple of weeks, before they get back to club football.
“Whether that decision is that they want to keep O’Neill on until somebody becomes available, or if they want to make an appointment now, that’s up to them.
“But it’s a decision they now have to make, because all parties are going to need clarity.
“If they have their eyes on somebody who isn’t available right now, but will be in the near future, then they can ask O’Neill to stay on as long as they need him.
“But as I say, that’s something they’ll have to make a decision on because they’ll have to ask him to do that, not that I think he would have any issues with it.
“One way or another, they need to decide who they want to bring in and what that would mean.
“I expect that will happen over the next couple of weeks.”
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that O’Neill could extend his spell at Celtic, but would be unlikely to take them up on a permanent offer.
Front-runners named as manager search continues
Football Insider revealed on 7 November that Kieran McKenna and Knutsen are Celtic’s front-runners and would be among their ideal appointments at Parkhead.
However, with O’Neill, Nancy and other managers still being considered, there is a feeling a decision will have to be made on their top target quickly.
Delays to the process could see the interim boss extend his stay, to allow for other options to become available who may not currently be able to make the switch.
As a result, Football Insider revealed that O’Neill could help Celtic appoint Knutsen by extending his stay until the Bodo/Glimt boss becomes available.
There had been concerns that Celtic may be made to wait to appoint Knutsen, with his side competing in the Champions League, but O’Neill could allow them to do so.
For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.