Former Rangers boss set to make 'shocking' EFL Championship return as Neil Lennon laughs off third Celtic stint question
The latest news stories from both Celtic and Rangers as both sides gear up for the Europa League.
In the managerial merry-go round that is British football, Celtic are on the hunt for a permanent Brendan Rodgers replacement while a former Rangers boss could be heading to the English second tier.
In what will be Danny Rohl’s fourth game in charge, the Gers will face Roma on Thursday night in what will be their toughest European test so far this season. The Italian giants sit only a point behind leaders Napoli in the Seria A table, however have had a shaky start to life in Europe. After the Old Firm defeat, Rohl and his team won’t have long to pick themselves up and dust themselves off.
Across the city, Celtic fans are still riding the high of Sunday’s victory over their bitter rivals, but now face a tough trip to Denmark. FC Midtjylland have had a flawless start to their Europa League campaign, winning three out of three so far in the league stage. The match will be the first time Martin O’Neill has coached the Hoops in Europe since a goalless draw against AC Milan in 2004.
Here’s a look at the latest managerial news stories coming out of both Ibrox and Celtic Park:
Martin in the running for ‘shocking’ Southampton return
Rangers’ recent managerial flop, Russell Martin could be returning to the game quicker than expected as the 39-year old has been linked with a Southampton return, following the departure of Will Still. Having been relegated from the Premier League last season, The Saints were hoping this year for an immediate return, however currently sit 21st in the Championship table.
Former Manchester United Scout and Football Insider, Mick Brown would be surprised if the south coast side take him back after his Rangers ‘disaster’. He said: “I’m sure Russell Martin is one they will be considering although he went to Rangers and insisted they do things his way, and that ended in disaster. For Southampton to now take him back, it would be a shocking decision.”
After spells with MK Dons and Swansea City, Martin was appointed Southampton manager in 2023 and instantly got them promoted back to the Premier League. However, after just one win in his first 16 matches in the top-flight, he was sacked in December 2024.
Lennon laughs off Celtic return question
As Celtic continue their search for a new manager, Dunfermline Athletic boss, Neil Lennon is always a name bandied about when there is a Parkhead vacancy. However, the Northern Irishman has made light of the situation.
While featuring as a pundit on Premier Sports Ireland for Liverpool vs Real Madrid, the 54-year old was told by presenter, Eoin McDevitt that the last person to sit on his seat on the punditry panel was Martin O’Neill, who subsequently joined Celtic. Lennon joked, “I might do that as well!”
The former Hoops captain went onto applaud the job his old manager has done so far: “it was a great win at the weekend and it just lifts the place. They played well on the day and it was a good semi-final. He’s two for two now and he’s got off to a great start.”