Dermot Desmond 'due to meet' two next Celtic manager candidates as legendary boss eyed for club role
The search for Celtic’s next manager is nearing its conclusion
Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is ‘due to meet’ next manager candidates Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane through the week as the club edge closer to deciding who’ll be in the Parkhead hot seat next season.
Current boss O’Neill was appointed to the role in January with a view that a new gaffer would be found in the summer. However, as the 74-year old completed the domestic double despite a season of chaos on and off the field, the club are now tempted to extend his stay. If the veteran boss isn’t to take the reins again for another year, a different role behind the scenes could be in the offing.
O’Neill’s former Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has been one of the frontrunners to take over at his former side. The 45-year old left his post as Ferencvaros boss at the end of the season after being pipped to the league title and is now in contention to take over at Parkhead. With tensions between fans and the board still lingering despite Celtic’s recent success, it’s a decision Desmond and co can ill-afford to get wrong.
Desmond ‘due to meet’ O’Neill and Keane
According to Sky Sports, Desmond will hold talks with both candidates through the week. They say: “Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond is due to meet with Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane this week over the managerial vacancy.”
The same report outlines that the club’s hierarchy are ‘open’ to the idea of O’Neill staying if he so wishes, but the terms and conditions must be mutually acceptable. They would like five-time Scottish top flight winner to stay at Celtic in some capacity. Keane’s free agent managerial status also makes him a viable option.
No mention was made of Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, who was another candidate for the role. The Spaniard has worked with Celtic man Shaun Maloney both as a player and a coach, giving him an obvious link to the club. However, given that he could be at the World Cup until mid-July, perhaps Celtic aren’t in a position to wait.
O’Neill on extension potential
O’Neill has given mixed messages at times regarding his own personal feelings about whether he’d like to stay or go, often claiming that it will be down to the club and that his stance is irrelevant. After securing the league title, when asked directly if there’s a chance of him staying, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss responded: "I genuinely don't know.
"Has anybody talked to me? No, but I wasn't expecting that. I'm pretty old so it does take it out of you. I'm a bit-part in proceedings. They see me every day the players, this old man, and think 'what's he doing here?' This is the most special place on earth. When there is absolute unison in this stadium, it is a sight to behold. Obviously the players have been magnificent, epitomised by the captain, but we could not have won it without [the fans]. I'm delighted for them.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly