Celtic’s managerial race continues to rumble on, and now one mooted candidate has been linked to a role elsewhere…
What’s the word?
Several names have emerged for the Parkhead hotseat in recent weeks, ranging from former player Roy Keane to former Dortmund supremo Lucien Favre.
Another name thought to be on their radar since the departure of Neil Lennon has been former Premier League manager Chris Wilder, who too left his post this season.
Who would you rather have in charge at Celtic?
HOWE
WILDER
OTHER
According to The Scottish Sun, one sticking point in appointing the 53-year-old would be his lucrative payoff from Sheffield United, a figure thought to be way below what the Hoops could offer him in terms of wages.
A fresh twist has now developed as Wilder appears to be firmly in the running to take the helm at West Brom next season.
West Brom News have exclusively revealed that the ex-Blades boss is being lined up as a potential successor to Sam Allardyce at The Hawthorns, and also suggested that he’s unlikely to take the currently vacant role at the Scottish Premiership giants.
Bad news?
The pressure has certainly started to mount on Celtic chief Dermot Desmond, who desperately needs to prove that the Hoops can bounce back from their Premiership heartache this term with the right appointment.
Given Wilder’s expertise over several years in England, he would seem like an ideal appointment to make and, after the success of Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park, they certainly shouldn’t gloss over any former Premier League manager looking to rebuild his reputation.
Only last week Desmond was getting quizzed for updates by the club’s official website, but they seem no closer to finding a long-term appointment just yet.
Eddie Howe has emerged as a front-runner in recent days, but according to ex-Bhoys manager Gordon Strachan, the Hoops will not have all their eggs in one basket, even fearing that a move could collapse. He said to Premier Sports (via the Daily Record): “That would be very silly, I’m sure they’re speaking to other people out there because if conversations go on over two or three weeks it could change.”
He added: “There could be other clubs involved. So I like to think, and they are clever enough, that the board will be looking at other options, and there are other good options out there as well.”
It seems as if every one of Celtic’s managerial targets is as coveted as the next, meaning Desmond and the Parkhead hierarchy need to strike sooner rather than later.
He’ll surely be gutted – if not majorly worried – to miss out on Wilder, let alone Howe. The fans should be concerned too, as there are viable candidates ready to be secured.
It’s time to be firm and throw everything at one man – Celtic cannot let these names get away from them and pay the price in the future.
AND in other news, Celtic may replace Brown by signing £68k-p/w “great captain”, he’s up there with Ramos…