Journalist Derek McGregor has talked about whether Celtic could follow the same model as their Old Firm rivals when it comes to appointing a new manager.
McGregor appeared as a guest on the latest episode of the Celtic Huddle podcast and the panel discussed multiple issues involving the Bhoys. One topic of discussion was a future managerial change. McGregor believes that the Hoops could follow the Gers’ model and maybe appointing someone like Roy Keane could be a direction that they could head in.
Should Celtic follow Rangers' route?
Yes
No
Last year following Celtic’s defeat in the Old Firm, it was reported that the Hoops had contacted Eddie Howe, Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane for the managerial role. Keane has previously stated that he had rejected the chance to manage the Bhoys because he wasn’t happy with the contract on offer from them.
McGregor was talking about Keane and he believes that Dermot Desmond could go down the same path as Rangers have with Steven Gerrard.
He said: “It’s emerged that apparently Roy Keane is anxious to get back into management. Now, Roy Keane would clearly split opinion, but he’d also create massive attention for Celtic, it’d be massive news.
“I think Dermot Desmond, if he indeed is going to make a change – because so far, Dermot and Peter [Lawwell] have backed Neil all the way, so I know it might look unlikely. But you couldn’t 100% rule it out that they stick with Neil, but if they decide to go for a change, then Dermot Desmond may look at what Rangers have done with Steven Gerrard and he may well opt to go down that route as well; a name that makes an impact.”
TIF Thoughts on McGregor’s comments…
With the appointment of Brendan Rodgers in the past, Desmond has indeed shown that he knows how to bring in managers whose names can make an impact. Rodgers ended up having a very successful time at Parkhead, as he helped the club to two league title wins and three League Cup wins as well (as per Transfermarkt).
Considering how Celtic are currently as many as 21 points behind the Gers and there have been protests against the manager and the owners, the club may need a personality who galvanises the situation. Because of that, perhaps the Hoops need the appointment of a manager whose name can make an impact.