Sources: Celtic exodus on the cards after ‘explosive’ twist
Celtic’s search for a new manager is well underway with hopes they can make progress on luring their top target to Parkhead in the coming weeks.
Brendan Rodgers quit Celtic in dramatic circumstances on 27 October, and they moved quickly to steady the ship with Martin O’Neill, who has already led them to two victories.
Following Rodgers’ departure, club owner Dermot Desmond released an “explosive” statement directed at the 52-year-old, with tensions boiling over.
The search for a new manager is ongoing at Parkhead, with the likes of Kieran McKenna and Craig Bellamy on their radar alongside Ange Postecoglou.
However, Football Insider revealed on 31 October that Postecoglou is unlikely to take over at Celtic and instead plans to take a break after leaving Nottingham Forest.
Celtic exodus on the cards after Brendan Rodgers latest
Despite Celtic stepping up efforts to land a new manager, the behind-the-scenes turmoil is not expected to have ended, with further departures on the cards.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the appointment of a new boss will likely lead to multiple backroom changes, with many of the staff tipped to follow Rodgers away from Parkhead in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Rodgers has been linked with a Premier League return, and some of his trusted backroom staff could be tempted to make the move with him.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, it’s been a tumultuous time up at Celtic in recent days with everything that’s going on.
“We’ve had that explosive statement from Dermot Desmond in the wake of Brendan Rodgers’ departure.
“I think Celtic right now will be hoping they can steady the ship and ease tensions off the pitch as well. It’s been unsavoury at times with the protests against the board and everything else.
“So I think the main focus is to get the players back on form and then to try and close the gap on Hearts at the top of the league.
“I’m sure there might be further changes behind the scenes with players leaving if a new manager comes in.
“Celtic are planning to get somebody else in, and they might want to bring his own people with him, and it could be the same with Rodgers if he goes somewhere.
“I think there’ll still be a lot of change going up at Celtic Park, but as I said, right now they’ve brought in Martin O’Neill to help steady the ship.”
Rodgers’ decision to leave Parkhead came following Celtic’s 3-1 defeat to Hearts, while constant disagreements with the board heightened tensions.
Kieran McKenna, Martin O’Neill: Celtic next manager update
Football Insider revealed on 31 October that McKenna would be open to joining Celtic as they are set to prove a tempting proposition for the Ipswich Town boss.
However, Celtic would have to pay McKenna’s compensation fee, which is believed to be around £5million and would represent a huge outlay for the club.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 31 October that O’Neill could take the permanent job at Celtic if he proves to be a success during his interim spell.
Football Insider revealed on 3 November that O’Neill is closer to taking over at Celtic following their Scottish League Cup semi-final win against Rangers.
The Hoops beat their rivals 3-1 after extra time, meaning the interim boss has now won both of his two games in charge and could ;and the permanent role.