Robbie Keane has emerged as the firm favourite to take over as the next manager of Celtic Football Club, with the Scottish giants making extensive background preparations to restructure their football operations at the conclusion of the current season. Keane's impressive managerial achievements, including winning the Hungarian top flight with Ferencvaros last season and securing a title during his only full campaign in charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, have positioned him as the prime candidate to succeed Martin O'Neill.
Celtic's Managerial Search Intensifies
Martin O'Neill's second interim spell as Celtic manager is scheduled to conclude this summer, prompting the club's powerbrokers to identify potential successors. Keane, who enjoyed a brief playing stint with Celtic in 2010, is understood to be receptive to a potential move to Glasgow, although competition from other British clubs for his services is anticipated. Celtic will not make any formal approaches until the domestic season ends, but Keane remains firmly in their sights as they seek a fresh direction.
Other Candidates in the Frame
While Keane leads the race, Celtic have also identified Craig Bellamy and Jens Berthel Askou as potential managerial targets. Bellamy's current involvement with Wales in the World Cup playoffs complicates his immediate availability, while Askou has garnered significant praise for his work at Motherwell. However, concerns exist within the Celtic hierarchy about whether Askou's leap from Fir Park would be too substantial for the demands of managing a club of Celtic's stature.
Summer Overhaul and Historical Context
Celtic are planning a comprehensive player overhaul this summer, acutely aware of criticism surrounding their recent transfer window strategies. The club began the season under Brendan Rodgers, who resigned amid contentious circumstances, with Keane previously considered as a candidate at that juncture. Instead, Celtic appointed O'Neill on an interim basis and pursued Wilfried Nancy, whose disastrous eight-game tenure yielded only two victories before being terminated.
O'Neill's return has provided stability, with the 74-year-old potentially leading Celtic to a domestic double. However, his appointment was always understood to be temporary, with his assistant Shaun Maloney expected to transition into a senior background role at the club when the campaign concludes. Maloney is highly regarded within Celtic's corridors of power.
Keane's Current Success and European Ambitions
Keane continues to build his managerial reputation at Ferencvaros, where his team are joint-top of the Hungarian league heading into this weekend's fixtures. Ferencvaros remain active in the Europa League, with Sporting Braga set to visit Budapest on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Celtic trail Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts by five points as they approach this weekend's matches, highlighting the competitive challenges awaiting the next permanent manager.
