There is no shortage of interest in being Ange's successor and the board must show ambition to keep progressing
As the dust settles on Ange's departure to Tottenham, the usual ill-informed speculation about who will be the next to take the helm at Celtic Park. In this spirit and tradition of ignorance, here's my take on some of the likely candidates.
First up, we have Brendan Rodgers. Now, we all remember how he left us in a moonlight flit (with the collusion of the board) but he knows his football. He's got a proven track record and could potentially bring some stability back to the club.
However, his past actions have left a sour taste, and it's hard to forget the Danny McGrain debacle. Rodgers' return would certainly be a talking point, as it would reopen old wounds but whether it's a realistic prospect remains to be seen.
Jesse Marsch is another name that's been thrown into the hat. The American coach has a high-intensity approach an impressive CV, having led Red Bull Salzburg to consecutive league and cup doubles. His high-intensity approach could fit well with the current squad, but rumours suggest he's holding out for the USMNT job.
John Kennedy is both linked again and said to be wanted at Spurs to help bring Ange's brand of football to a new squad. Consistently admired by the coaches he has supported and reportedly well-liked and respected by the players, it feels like, if John was ever going to be our head coach, it would have happened by now.
Scott Brown, our legendary former captain, is also being touted as a potential successor. His decision to start his managerial career in the lower leagues shows wisdom and a willingness to learn. His dedication to the club is unquestionable and, if he pushes on from an impressive start with Fleetwood Town, could be destined to occupy the manager's office in the future.
David Moyes, a former Celtic player and a well-respected manager, could bring stability. Despite rumours of his potential dismissal at West Ham, Moyes has expressed a desire to stay put. However, the allure of a return to Celtic Park would be tempting if things change at the Hammers.
Kjetil Knutsen, the man who led Bodo/Glimt to their first-ever title win, is an intriguing prospect. His exciting, attacking style of football would be welcomed if he could adapt to the high demands of the job. His limited experience could draw comparisons to Ronny Deila's tenure and he would need strong support from the dressing room and the boardroom. However, we should be wary of dismissing him the way fans and pundits have done with Ange.
Enzo Maresca, with his Manchester City pedigree, could be an interesting choice if he could translate his coaching experience into managerial success. His understanding of Celtic's playing style is a plus, but his lack of managerial experience raises questions about his ability to handle the pressures of the job.
Graham Potter, despite his impressive stint at Brighton, left the club under questionable circumstances. His style of play could be a good fit for Celtic, but his departure from Brighton while they were top of the Premier League raises eyebrows.
Rafa Benitez, a name that always seems to pop up when there's a vacancy at Celtic, is another potential candidate. However, his repeated use of Celtic as leverage for other job opportunities has left many fans feeling sceptical.
Frank Lampard, despite my expectation that he would be one to watch, has struggled to replicate his playing success as a manager. That's a euphemistic way of saying he's been utterly garbage while managing Chelsea and Everton and he would be unlikely to endear himself to the fans.
Steve Clarke, while a knowledgeable manager, is likely content with his current position. His defensive style of play may not be to everyone's taste, but his experience could be valuable.
Neil Lennon, despite his previous success at Celtic, his most recent experience as Celtic manager should definitely be his last.
Shaun Maloney, an ex-Celtic player with impressive coaching credentials, would once have been a realistic candidate. However, his short tenure at Hibs and relegation from the Championship with Wigan suggests he may never be a number one but could possibly feature in a future backroom staff.
And finally, we come to Roy Keane because someone always mentions him and he's billionaire Dermot Desmond's good pal. His inclusion in the list of potential candidates is more comedic than realistic. The idea of Keane as Celtic manager is likely to be met with more laughter than serious consideration – but always underpinned by a Karmic dread that it might actually happen one day.
As ever, Celtic have a range of options and it is to be hoped that the appointment of Ange's successor with show some ambition to progress from the solid platform we now have in the squad.
That has to come quickly with the new manager committed in plenty of time to work with the squad and manage changes in playing personnel.
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