John Kennedy back to quit Celtic amid ‘massive’ claim – expert
Frank McAvennie has insisted Celtic coach John Kennedy is ready for a manager’s job.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker suggested Kennedy could benefit from spending another year learning under Ange Postecoglou.
As relayed by the Daily Record (23 May), Hearts are considering a move for the 39-year-old as they draw up a shortlist of permanent replacements for Robbie Neilson.
Steven Naismith was put in interim charge of the Jambos and was set to be offered the job permanently if he could secure a third place Premiership finish.
But after being held to a draw by Rangers and Aberdeen’s 3-0 win over St Mirren last week (24 May) Naismith’s side had to settle for fourth spot.
McAvennie insisted Kennedy is up to the challenge of taking over at Hearts, or elsewhere.
“I think John will be ready it is just whether he thinks he will be ready,” he told Football Insider.
“He has got a safety net at Celtic. Peter Lawwell obviously likes him because he has been there through so many managers.
“For John Kennedy to learn off somebody like Ange for another year would be great but I think John has got to go and be his own man.
“I think if you are in football and a coach, learning off everyone, you want to go and prove yourself.
“Sometimes it does not work but I think John is different, he has been about for a while so I think it would be a good job for him. Hearts are a massive club.
“I think he would be a great manager and he will go when he is ready.“
In other news, Celtic set to land £27m windfall with extra £6m bonus guaranteed.