Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Dermot Desmond has clear plan for Robbie Keane hire - and it'll enrage Celtic fans

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

08 Jun 2026, 4:16 pm

Dermot Desmond is seemingly determined to one day appoint Robbie Keane as Celtic manager.

Supporters made it clear last week that they did not want the former Hoops star at Parkhead next season after talks were held between the board and the 45-year-old.

Keane’s previous reign at Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv has soured his relationship with fans of the Old Firm outfit, many of whom are supportive of Palestine.

As a result, Martin O’Neill is expected to be appointed as Celtic’s manager for the upcoming season. However, Keane is set to remain a strong contender to take charge in the future, according to reports.

It is clear that Desmond hopes that the poor reaction towards Keane will eventually blow over

This could result in the chairman aiming to appointment the former Hoops star as early as next year.

Dermot Desmond could look to appoint Robbie Keane in 2027

It is expected that O’Neill will only sign a one-year contract this summer to keep him on for the 2026-27 campaign.

Therefore, in 2027, Celtic could find themselves hunting for a new manager yet again.

Now that the Irish Independent on 7 June has confirmed that there is a strong chance Keane could become Celtic’s manager in the future, Desmond may be hoping that the recent criticism will have blown over in 12 months time.

This will enrage many Hoops supporters, who made it clear over the last week that they do not want the 45-year-old in charge, with some fan groups releasing statements opposing the appointment.

Realistically, any chance of Keane returning to Celtic should be dead in the water, but the club seem keen to make this happen one day.

Will Celtic’s board and fans clash again next season?

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that tensions are waiting to flare up between Celtic supporters and the club hierarchy "as soon as anything goes wrong."

Clashes between the two groups happened regularly throughout the 2025-26 campaign, especially amid the failed appointment of Wilfried Nancy.

Celtic fans fume as Robbie Keane edges closer to manager appointment

Wyness now believes that the Bhoys hierarchy must tread "very carefully" in the build-up to next season.

If another mistake is made, further protests could easily emerge as tensions remain high between the board and the fanbase despite their recent domestic double.

Celtic Football Club