Celtic are reportedly in talks with the managerial market to bring in a new manager and are now ready to make a formal approach to their preferred candidate.
There is no doubt that the sentiment surrounding Parkhead has changed dramatically in recent weeks since Martin O’Neill was appointed as interim manager of the Scottish Premiership champions.
The fun scenes between Falkirk and Rangers were dampened by a disappointing first-half collapse in last Thursday’s Europa League game against FC Midtjylland. However, Celtic went into the international break with a 4-0 win against Kilmarnock, reducing the gap to Heart of Midlothian to seven points.
Furthermore, this game will give them a chance to close the gap on the league leaders to within four points, but who will lead the defense of the Bhoys, who are defending their Scottish top flight title?
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has ruled himself out of Celtic’s squad. Nevertheless, Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is the latest name to join the shortlist after a strong start to the season with the League One side.
Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Nicky Hayen and Efrain Juarez have also attracted the attention of the Boys. Meanwhile, Wilfried Nancy was selected as a wild card candidate after his stellar performance with the Columbus Crew.
With some important games coming up and tensions between supporters and hierarchy lingering off the field, there is a sense that Celtic must get this appointment right in order to move forward in unison.
With difficult away fixtures against St Mirren, Feyenoord and Hibernian remaining on the other side of the international break, it would be crucial if the Bhoys were to bring someone into the squad on a full-time basis, and they could be on the verge of achieving just that feat.
Celtic preparing to make formal approach for Ketil Knudsen
According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are preparing to make a formal approach after learning that 57-year-old Bodo/Glimt manager Ketil Knudsen is keen for a new challenge and is excited by the idea of taking over at Parkhead.
The report reveals that he remains the standout foreign candidate, although Dermot Desmond may have to pay £5m to sign him from Portman Road, with the Bhoys hoping to interview Ipswich manager McKenna.
Ketil Knudsen’s record in Bodø/Glimt | |
victory | 209 |
draw | 72 |
loss | 70 |
trophy | Elite series x 4 |
Ferencvaros manager and former Celtic player Robbie Keane has yet to receive a call regarding the vacancy. However, he is said to be “definitely willing to sprint if asked” to succeed O’Neill as manager of the Scottish champions.
The Boies hope to reach a resolution by December at the latest, and if Knudsen can finalize the terms of his contract, it could move them closer to finding a new permanent manager.
Celtic’s potential replacement manager has a secret release clause
Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go before supporters know who their next leader will be, as nothing is signed or stamped until there is physically ink on paper.
