Celtic are in an unfamiliar position.
Dermot Desmond has led manager searches before, but they have very rarely come mid-season. Brendan Rodgers’ resignation has forced his hand.
Desmond’s explosive attack on Rodgers left no doubt over how he felt about the 52-year-old’s actions in recent months.
But with Martin O’Neill taking care of the team on a temporary basis, the focus is now on the Hoops’ plans for a new appointment.
And Celtic hero Chris Sutton isn’t convinced about the candidates he’s heard about so far.
Chris Sutton on Celtic candidates to replace Brendan Rodgers
O’Neill has made it public that he has no intention to take the job long-term, but after Wednesday’s 4-0 win against Falkirk, some Hoops fans would be happy to see him change his mind.
Nevertheless, the search for Rodgers’ permanent replacement is fully in motion.
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou to Celtic question directly addressed by Australian contact
Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images
O’Neill has said that he expects the Hoops to hire a ‘young, upcoming’ coach in his place, in what would be a change of strategy after recent appointments.
But for Sutton, speaking in his column for the Daily Record, there is only one ‘strong’ candidate apart from the unlikely Ange Postecoglou.
He said: “Look, change was coming. Brendan was done and we could all see that at Tynecastle last Sunday. The team was abject and had just stopped performing.
“You can say that was down to the Honda Civic stuff, which I reiterate, he shouldn’t have said.
“But the ending was unedifying and Celtic are now on the hunt. If you’re asking who I’d want to see as the club’s next manager, I’d say Ange Postecoglou. But the truth is I don’t think that will happen as it sounds like he wants a break.
“I’d like to think the club has asked. I’ve heard the other candidates like everyone else. Some good names in there such as Kieran McKenna, but if it’s not Postecoglou, I have no other strong candidate at the top of my mind.
“For now, it’s Martin and Shaun and their job is to ensure Celtic are still fighting for the honours by the time the new guy enters the building.”
Celtic manager candidates to replace Brendan Rodgers
Postecoglou was initially seen as the favourite to replace Rodgers, but reports now suggest that a Celtic Park return for the Aussie hero is unlikely.
Kieran McKenna is currently seen as the frontrunner, and he hasn’t ruled out leaving Ipswich for the Hoops. But with the 39-year-old under a long-term lucrative contract, it remains to be seen if Desmond can pull a deal off.
Robbie Keane is interested in the role, with the ex-Hoops striker currently in charge at Ferencvaros in Budapest. The Ireland legend’s lack of experience and ties to Israel could cause issues, though.
Kjetil Knutsen, Wilfried Nancy and Lee Carsley have alll also been linked, but it won’t be Craig Bellamy, who isn’t available amid his quest to lead Wales to the World Cup next summer.