Sunday, March 14, 2021

Roy Keane ‘wants’ to be next permanent Celtic manager but Chris Wilder is favourite after Sheffield United departure

March 14, 2021 - Tags : fixtures , Football - news , IFTTT , pictures , scores , transfers

Roy Keane has been linked with a sensational return to Celtic, with reports saying he ‘wants’ the vacant manager’s position at the club.

The Irishman has built a good career as a pundit, having been out of management for ten years after two-year spells at both Sunderland and Ipswich.

Keane is a well-loved pundit but his real love comes from being involved in the game

However, the Sun reports that Keane wants to get back into the game and would consider an offer to replace Neil Lennon, who left Celtic Park last month.

Keane played for Celtic for a brief period following his acrimonious departure from Manchester United in late 2005 and reportedly spoke to the Hoops about being their manager in 2014.

But those talks collapsed, with the Sun’s report adding Keane was unimpressed with how the negotiations with chief executive Peter Lawwell developed.

It’s clear Keane’s love for Celtic still burns brightly though. He refused to congratulate Rangers for sealing a first Scottish Premiership title in a decade which denied their Glasgow rivals an unprecedented ten-in-a-row.

Imagine these two Premier League icons going toe-to-toe in Scotland

The report adds major shareholder Dermot Desmond wants to bring in a big-name appointment to take on Steven Gerrard’s Rangers, who have been the dominant force in Scotland this season.

It’s possible the club would want their next boss to work with John Kennedy, who’s caretaker boss, and the current backroom staff. This could suit Keane, who does not have his own team in place.

Meanwhile, financial terms are unlikely to prove a stumbling block due to Keane’s eagnerness on a return to management.

He also has a major ally in former Hoops boss Martin O’Neill, who has the ear of some of the Parkhead hierarchy. Keane was O’Neill’s assistant with the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.

Keane has close ties with O’Neill, who managed Celtic for five years (2000-05)

According to the bookies, though, Keane is not at the front of the queue to be Lennon’s permanent successor.

Sky Bet has Keane as third favourite for the gig at 9/1, behind Kennedy at 2/1 with Chris Wilder 11/10 favourite. Wilder is available after his departure from Sheffield United was confirmed on Saturday night.

Other names in contention for the Celtic job include Chelsea legend and former manager Frank Lampard, ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez.