*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
After a disastrous attempt at going 10-in-a-row in Scotland, Celtic boss Neil Lennon finally decided enough was enough. With their lofty ambitions of a historic 10th successive Scottish Premiership title spectacularly over, Lennon called it quits for the second time as Parkhead supremo.
The Bhoys went down the caretaker route, but there’s no shortage of possible replacements to dive into the empty chair and try to topple rivals Rangers next season. But who will it be?
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou could be the man to replace Neil Lennon after Celtic’s protracted talks with Eddie Howe broke down. The former Socceroos manager has had success in the J-League with current club Yokohama F. Marinos and won the title in 2019. Can he repeat that trick in the Scottish Premiership?
Lucien Favre
Lucien Favre has some serious pedigree, managing clubs like Nice, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hertha Berlin and, most recently, Borussia Dortmund. He left the Bundesliga giants in 2020 and would certainly bring a wealth of experience to the green half of Glasgow.
Roy Keane
Let’s be honest, this is the one we all want to see. Roy Keane strutting his stuff at Parkhead again. Unless, maybe, you’re a Celtic fan. But just picture it; Keane v Gerrard on the touchline in the Old Firm. It’s what memes are made of.
Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is the first maverick name on our list. The former West Brom, Juventus and Olympiakos midfielder only retired from playing in 2017 but the 41-year-old has some coaching experience in the UK under his belt. Maresca was part of Manuel Pellegrini’s coaching staff at West Ham before he was dismissed in 2019. Remember that? No, us neither.
Rafa Benitez
Rafa Benitez has a glowing CV and is a free agent after leaving Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional at the start of the year. Newcastle fans want him back at St James’ Park but he could move north of the border to cut his former apprentice and current Rangers boss Steven Gerrard down to size.
Steve Clarke
There’s a chance that Steve Clarke says bye-bye to the Scottish national team job and Euro 2020 (21?) by jumping ship to try and turn the Celtic dreadnaught around. Clarke is a seasoned campaigner who would probably be a good choice, but would he really miss the chance to manage his country at a major international tournament? It looks like Celtic could stick with Lennon until the summer so maybe Clarke could take over after the Euros?
Frank Lampard
Could former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard be set to lock horns with his long time Premier League rival and England midfield compatriot Steven Gerrard once again? ‘Super Frank’ was given the heave ho at Stamford Bridge by Chelsea in January and could be looking to get straight back on the horse north of the border.
Roberto Martinez
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez features on Paddy’s list – and that could be in anticipation of a poor showing from The Red Devils at Euro 2020. Another 3rd-placed party for the No.1 ranked international side, anyone?
Damien Duff
Damien Duff was until recently on the coaching staff with the Republic of Ireland set up and we think there’s a chance he might be in line for the big job at Celtic Park. The former Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham winger has coached up in the East End of Glasgow and certainly knows his way around the place.
Alex Neil
Preston boss Alex Neil is ambling along with the mid-table Championship club. He’s been there since 2017 and is doing a decent-enough job. Surely the lure of Parkhead would be too goo to resist for the 39 year old?
Martin O’Neill
Former Leicester, Aston Villa and Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill won three titles in five seasons at Celtic, having replaced John Barnes and Kenny Dalglish at Parkhead. The Hoops could turn to him to pull the trick off again should Lennon exit.
Gordon Strachan
Another former Celtic boss, Gordon Strachan, is in the betting with support for the ex-Manchester United midfielder waning after a flurry of interest saw his price temporarily shorten to 6/4 favouritism.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
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