Sources: Kieran McKenna U-turn could be Celtic game-changer
Kieran McKenna is the latest manager to be linked with a move to Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ bombshell departure from Parkhead.
Rodgers quit Celtic in dramatic circumstances on 27 October, leaving the club scrambling for a new manager, with Martin O’Neill filling in on an interim basis.
Celtic’s 3-1 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle proved the final straw amid the boss’ growing frustrations aimed at the board surrounding transfer strategy.
With the search ongoing for a new boss, a number of big-name managers have been linked with the role, notably including Ipswich Town boss McKenna.
Ipswich are currently 12th in the Championship table, having suffered relegation from the Premier League last time out, after what has been a slow start to the season.
Kieran McKenna tempted to take Celtic job
McKenna was linked with the West Ham job last month, while he has previously been tipped to take over at the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Man United.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the Ipswich boss would be open to taking over at Celtic should an offer arrive, and could be tempted by the opportunity of taking a team into the Champions League.
McKenna remains one of the most highly-rated managers in British football, and fits the criteria for manager’s on Celtic’s list of replacements for Rodgers.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I think Kieran McKenna would be open to a move to Celtic if it came about.
“Again, it’s not an easy deal to with Ipswich. They don’t really want to lose him and he is under a long-term contract at Portman Road.
“McKenna takes a lot of boxes having won back to back promotions with Ipswich into the Premier League. He is one of the most highly regarded young managers in the country as well.
“He would fit all of the criteria that Celtic are looking for in that respect.
“I’m sure the chance to go and manage Celtic and try and get the team in the Champions League and everything else will be something that might appeal to McKenna long-term.”
Reports have claimed McKenna would need convincing to leave Ipswich after his long-term success at Portman Road, but Celtic could prove an exciting proposition.
Ange Postecoglou update emerges at Celtic
Football Insider revealed on 28 October that Celtic will make contact with Postecoglou to replace Rodgers, and are sounding out his interest in a return.
While there are other names on their radar, the former boss has been tipped as the dream appointment given his previous success at Parkhead.
However, Football Insider revealed on 31 October that Postecoglou is planning to take a break after leaving Nottingham Forest and will not rush into a job.
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.
The 73-year-old’s last full-time managerial role was with Nottingham Forest in 2019, but sources say he is excited by his return and has changed his mind on just being interim.
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