The Celtic Bhoys
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Two new candidates for Scotland’s manager job

By Nick McAdam

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 12: Hibernian manager Neil Lennon looks on during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 12: Hibernian manager Neil Lennon looks on during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Nothing new from Team Scotland as the hunt for a new manager continues. The national side may be coming closer to capturing a boss, with two new candidates emerging recently.

Failure to qualify for the World Cup in Russia saw Gordon Strachan on the hot seat. Ever since that point in time, Malky Mackay has stepped in as the interim manager.

This has given time for the SFA to identify some new targets. Names such as Alex McLeish and current Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill have appeared as targets over the course of time.

Now, an array of publications have suggested two new realistic targets for the job. Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon and Walter Smith have been identified as options, while Smith is looking to be preferred man.

Smith, the now retired manager, spent years with Rangers. The 69-year-old has won an impressive total of 21 Scottish titles over the course of his long career.

Smith had an average stint at respective manager positions for around 4.5 years. The Scot coached over 300 fixtures with a winning record, while using his preferred 4-4-2 formation.

Former Hearts and Scotland striker Steven Naismith says that Smith would be the “safest bet” for the position, according BBC.

KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND – MAY 15: Rangers manager, Walter Smith celebrates after winning the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Rugby Park on May 15, 2011 in Kilmarnock, Scotland.. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND – MAY 15: Rangers manager, Walter Smith celebrates after winning the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Rugby Park on May 15, 2011 in Kilmarnock, Scotland.. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) /

"“Walter is the safest of the names bandied about,” said Naismith.“From personal experience, he is a fantastic man-manager, probably the best I have ever worked with in that regard.“I have not heard many players saying anything bad about him, even if they were not playing. They respect him. He is the type of manager who, when he walks into a room, he has got that presence.“He has been there and done it, he knows what it is about. If he is in the running, I think it would be a good choice for the SFA.”"

On the other hand, supporters at Paradise are likely very aware of what Lennon was able to do for the Bhoys over the years.

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The now Hibernian boss runs the same 4-4-2 formation and coached Celtic for around five seasons. The 46-year-old acquired over 2 points per game in Glasgow, and now looks to have the Hibs on the right track in the Premiership.

Lennon has won six trophies in his managerial career, which is significantly less than what Smith has to offer. However, Lennon is also near 30 years younger than Smith, who has also spent a lot of time retired from the game.

The Daily Record provided a variety of opinions on both Smith and Lennon, as part of their article title noted that Smith was a “dinosaur”. Here’s what one Scottish football supporter had to say about the qualifications of Lennon.

"“This going to drag on and on but you know the most outstanding proven manager of Scottish football will not be considered due to the mince that is the Old Firm.“ Neil Lennon has achieved more in Scottish football and proven himself over past 20 years and would definitely would see us to the next Euros.”"

Obviously both have quite a bit of experience for the job. To be honest, seeing Lennon in the position would be more better in a way for the country’s future development.

Aside from Brendan Rodgers, Lennon seems to be one of the best managers right now in Scotland. He did a lot to progress Celtic into what they are now, and he’s already doing a lot to turn Hibernian into serious contenders.

To say that Scotland are in a rush to find somebody to hire right now isn’t really true. However, it does seem that some are too unwilling to take the job and/or are referring to someone else to do it.

Something should happen soon, and keep an eye on the candidacy of Smith and Lennon for the Scotland job in the upcoming months.

Next: Publication suggests Rodgers to England

Who would you prefer as the next Scotland manager between Lennon and Smith? Any other candidates that you would prefer? Let us know in the comments section below.