Celtic told not to expect 'blockbuster' next manager as board have way to keep fan angst silenced
The unrest between fans against board was a recurring theme at Celtic Park last season
Celtic have been told not to expect a ‘blockbuster’ managerial appointment in the summer by former Hearts and Hibs man Michael Stewart, as he illustrated the way the Hoops board can regain the support of the fans.
The future of current boss Martin O’Neill remains uncertain as he is yet to hold talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond on whether he’ll be extending his stay in the dugout or not. Should he leave or go upstairs, ex Hoops and Tottenham striker Robbie Keane is a major point of debate when it comes to who takes the reins.
A domestic double Celtic won has gave Desmond and rest of the board some respite from the fans for the time being, however as last season showed, if Celtic fail on the European stage, fingers may start to point at the club’s hierarchy again. Stewart believes the simple solution to the board’s problems is just to keep Celtic winning football matches and trophies, no matter who the next manager is.
Hoops can’t expect ‘blockbuster’ appointment
Speaking alongside former Rangers man Alan Hutton on the Scottish Football Social Club Stewart isn’t expecting a household name to take over. He said: “I wouldn’t say any of the managerial appointments or the managerial names that are being touted are going to clearly not be of the ilk of the likes of years gone by of blockbuster managerial appointments.
“Robbie Keane's obviously a huge name in football, but he's still fairly inexperienced in his managerial career. I know he's done a few jobs, with relative successful, but he's still in his infancy of his managerial career. It's not like Celtic can go and get a Brendan Rodgers or a Martin O'Neill anymore. Ange Postecoglou was a relative unknown, but had loads of experience.
“So, I think it speaks towards the point of that it's a huge, huge decision that needs to be made, which is why my gut would tell me that they would almost play it safe and conservative with it and avoid having to make the decision and push the can, kick the can down the road a little bit. It will have to be soon.”
Winning trophies puts board protests on hold - Stewart
Celtic fans throughout last season protested using various methods including throwing tennis balls on the pitch to stop matches and launching campaigns encouraging supporters not to spend more money. This stemmed from them not qualifying for the Champions League and the banning of ultras group the Green Brigade, however, Stewart noticed that the protests died down when the team started to perform better on the park.
He continued: “Like any sort of signing or managerial appointment, it ultimately comes down to results. I mean, all you need to do is look at the way that the fans reacted to the board for most of the season, and then all of a sudden, towards the end of the season, that's all quietened down. You know, if you win the games and you get results, then everyone's rosy in the garden.”
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