Ex Rangers star in pole position to relaunch managerial career at expense of disgraced former Celtic boss
The 69-times capped Scotland international has reportedly managed to convince club officials he should get the job
Ex-Rangers and Scotland striker Kenny Miller is primed to take charge of Maccabi Tel Aviv on a permanent basis after holding down the forte of the Israeli club following Ronny Deila’s exit amid allegations of sexual harassment.
The 46-year-old took over the reins from the disgraced former Celtic manager as caretaker last month and subsequently led the team to a 2-1 victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Israeli Cup final.
Now reports in Israel claim that Miller is expected to be named as the club’s next permanent boss for the new season after convincing officials he should get the job, having spent the past 18 months working as Deila’s assistant.
Deila quit following accusations of sexually harassing a taxi driver in Israel. Miller stepped into the hotseat and is now set to lead the club forward with the first-team squad due to report back for pre-season training soon.
Speaking after guiding Maccabi to cup success in the country’s showpiece final, Miller made it clear that he would be happy to continue in the role if he were to be offered the position full-time.
He stated: “I have made no secret that if the club offered me something here, I would love to stay on. I have really enjoyed my time here and the challenge of taking over as coach.
“But I fully accept, it's up to the club. They might have their own plans for the future. I could not have asked any more of the players since I took over.
“We went through a difficult season with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. The goal was to finish with a title, and we achieved it.”
What is Kenny Miller’s coaching credentials?
Miller began his dugout career as a player-manager at Livingston but lasted only seven weeks in the role to focus on his playing career. He later served as assistant head coach of Falkirk and was placed in caretaker charge at the end of the 2021/22 League One season.
Since then, his coaching journey has spanned multiple continents and various roles. After hanging up his boots, Miller headed Down under to take on assistant coaching roles with Western Sydney Wanders and Newcastle Jets in the A-League.
He returned to the UK when current Celtic coach Mark Fotheringham added him to his Huddersfield Town backroom staff in season 2022/23.
As of January 2025, the 69-times capped international began working with Deila at MLS side Atlanta United. From there, the duo spent a short period in the United Arab Emirates with Al Wahda before heading to Israel.
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