The search for a new Celtic manager has intensified following the abrupt departure of Brendan Rodgers, leaving the Scottish champions reeling and adrift in the league standings.
Rodgers’ exit wasn’t simply a resignation; it was marked by pointed criticism from key figures within the club, with major shareholder Dermot Desmond publicly questioning the manager’s conduct in the months leading up to his decision.
Martin O’Neill has stepped in as interim manager, a familiar face tasked with stabilizing the team, but his position is explicitly temporary while the club pursues a permanent solution.
One name quickly surfacing in speculation was Ange Postecoglou, a former Celtic manager recently dismissed from his position at Nottingham Forest. However, those close to Postecoglou suggest a swift return to Glasgow is unlikely at this moment.
Craig Bellamy, a former Celtic player with a burgeoning reputation as a national team manager, has emerged as a strong contender for the coveted role. His time with Wales has been marked by promising results, drawing the attention of those at Celtic Park.
Bellamy’s connection to the club, having played on loan in 2005, adds another layer to his candidacy, making him a familiar and respected figure among the Celtic faithful.
Despite the interest, Bellamy appears deeply committed to his current role with Wales, particularly with crucial World Cup qualifying matches looming against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia.
Victory in these upcoming qualifiers would not only secure second place in their group but also guarantee a home playoff semi-final, a significant step towards realizing Bellamy’s long-held ambition of leading Wales on the world stage.
Bellamy has openly discussed his desire to experience a World Cup as a manager, a dream denied to him as a player, suggesting he wouldn’t readily abandon his current post.
Another name in the mix is Kieran McKenna, the highly successful manager of Ipswich Town, who has orchestrated consecutive promotions to the Premier League. However, securing McKenna’s services would require a substantial compensation package.
McKenna acknowledged Celtic’s stature as “a really big football club” but firmly stated that he remains fully focused on his duties at Ipswich, dismissing any immediate consideration of a move.
He emphasized his dedication to Ipswich and the critical stage of their season, stating that speculation regarding the Celtic vacancy has not even registered on his radar.
