Celtic Football Club has intensified its search for a new manager following Brendan Rodgers' sudden departure, with key club officials conducting interviews with several candidates in London this week.
Race Against Time for New Appointment
The Scottish Premiership giants are working against the clock to secure Brendan Rodgers' permanent replacement, hoping to have their new manager in position for the crucial trip to face St Mirren on November 22nd. This timeline would allow the successful candidate to take charge before next month's League Cup Final against the same opponents.
Rodgers' tenure came to an abrupt end following Celtic's disappointing defeat to Hearts, which left the club struggling in the Scottish Premiership title race. Although the former manager had been expected to see out the season, the loss prompted his immediate resignation.
Leading Contenders Emerge
Wilfried Nancy currently leads the pack of potential successors. The French manager has impressed Celtic's hierarchy with his attacking philosophy and successful stint at Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, where he has implemented an entertaining brand of football that has captured attention across the Atlantic.
Another strong contender is Kjetil Knutsen, the highly-regarded Norwegian who has secured four league titles with Bodø/Glimt. With just two games remaining in Norway's tense title race and his contract entering its final weeks, Knutsen represents an attractive option for Celtic's long-term planning.
Kieran McKenna has also entered the conversation after achieving remarkable back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town, transforming the club's fortunes and demonstrating his tactical acumen at a relatively young age.
Former Player in Contention
Former Celtic striker Robbie Keane remains an outside candidate following his successful managerial spells abroad. The Irishman, who enjoyed a playing stint at Celtic Park in 2010, has since built his coaching credentials by winning consecutive league titles with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel and Ferencvaros in Hungary.
The current interim management team of Martin O'Neill and Shaun Maloney have held discussions with club officials about their future roles. While O'Neill initially appeared enthusiastic about leading the team in next month's cup final, he recently adopted a more cautious stance, admitting uncertainty about whether he would accept any offer to extend the temporary arrangement.
Celtic's decision-makers face a critical period as they weigh their options, with the club's domestic ambitions hanging in the balance and supporters eagerly awaiting news of Rodgers' permanent successor.
