Celtic find new manager as Martin O'Neill sacking edges closer
Celtic have identified their dream replacement for Martin O’Neill but there is a crucial detail preventing them from changing their manager currently, according to a new report.
Doubts have continued to emerge over O’Neill’s future despite Celtic sitting four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with inconsistent results and unconvincing performances piling the pressure on the 74-year-old.
Football Insider report that Celtic are ‘edging increasingly closer’ to sacking O’Neill and that a decision could be made if they lose top spot in the league, with second place Rangers having a game in hand.
Celtic have won just four of their last 11 matches in all competitions, losing six, and it is claimed that Kieran McKenna is high on the list to replace O’Neill after leaving his role as Ipswich manager in the summer.
However, Celtic would be required to pay around £8 million (€9.6m) in compensation to immediately hire McKenna, with Ipswich taking precautions after their head coach’s resignation in June.
With the fee proving difficult for Celtic, the Scottish giants could look to continue with O’Neill for the foreseeable future after a win over Besiktas on Thursday in the Europa League which eased the pressure on their current boss.
Kieran McKenna waiting in the wings as Celtic prepare for O’Neill sacking
O’Neill is considered a legend at Celtic after returning to the club last year, initially on an interim contract, to ease their troubles on the pitch and eventually lead them to the league title.
Celtic opted to continue with O’Neill on a one-year contract and, while they still maintain a lead at the top of the table, it is suggested that a managerial change could be imminent.
O’Neill had considered his future during the international break last month but he ultimately opted to continue in the role despite his own doubts.
McKenna has always been appreciated by Celtic, having held talks with the club in the summer, however the English-born coach wanted a break from football after five years at Ipswich and it remains to be seen whether he is ready to jump back into management.
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