Celtic are consulting the manager market in an attempt to recruit a new boss and are now understood to be ready to present a formal approach to their preferred candidate.
Undoubtedly, the feeling around Parkhead has changed dramatically in the last two weeks since Martin O’Neill was brought in as caretaker manager to lead the Scottish Premiership champions.
The joyful scenes against Falkirk and Rangers were tempered by a disappointing first-half collapse against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League last Thursday. However, Celtic signed off the international break with a 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock to reduce the gap on Heart of Midlothian to seven points.
In addition, a current match will be an opportunity to get closer to four points from the championship leader. But who will be tasked with leading the Bboys’ defense of Scotland’s top flight crown?
Wales boss Craig Bellamy has ruled himself out of the vacant Celtic job. However, Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy is the latest name to come into contention after his strong start to the campaign with the League One side.
Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Nicky Hayen and Efrain Juarez are also on the Bhoys’ radar. Meanwhile, Wilfried Nancy is the wild card pick after his excellent work at Columbus Crew.
With several crucial matches coming up and off-field tensions between fans and the hierarchy persisting, there is a feeling that Celtic must get this appointment right if they are to move forward in unison.
Tough away clashes against St Mirren, Feyenoord and Hibernian persist on the other side of the international break, so it’s fair to say that time is of the essence if the Bhoys are to bring anyone into the fold on a full-time basis, and they may be close to achieving that feat.
Celtic prepare formal approach for Kjetil Knutsen
According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are preparing a formal approach for Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen after discovering that the 57-year-old is keen on a new challenge and is excited about taking over at Parkhead.
The report makes it clear he is still the standout foreign candidate, although the Bhoys also want an interview with Ipswich boss McKenna, despite the fact Dermot Desmond may have to pay £5million to secure him from Portman Road.
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Kjetil Knutsen’s record at Bodo/Glimt |
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Victories |
209 |
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Prints |
72 |
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Losses |
70 |
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Trophies |
Elite Series x4 |
Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane, a former Celtic player, is yet to receive a phone call about the vacancy. Yet he is said to “rush to the table if asked” to succeed O’Neill as manager of the Scottish champions.
The Bhoys want to reach a resolution by December at the latest and they could now be closer to finding their next permanent manager if Knutsen manages to finalize the terms of the contract.
Alternative Celtic manager candidate has secret release clause
However, nothing is signed and sealed until the ink physically exists on the paper. So there is still a long way to go before supporters know who their next leader will be.
