Are Celtic’s plans for a new manager in chaos?

There are many questions about the Celtic manager position right now. The hot seat is getting hotter for Neil Lennon with every passing day. It looks as though the board will let him continue till the summer. Is that all part of a smooth plan or buying more time and an indication of chaos?

Back in early December we asked the question over whether the Celtic board’s original plan was to introduce John Kennedy as Lennon’s successor. Doing so on the back of a successful season, trophies in the bag and on the back of 10IAR would have made it a smooth route to a coronation for Kennedy.

But now, with the awful results and the collapsing of a season around Celtic’s ears, that path is nowhere near as smooth and Kennedy would be highly questionable as a successor given his part in the current set up.

If that was indeed the Celtic board’s plan it’s floundering around and a misplaced effort, much like the Hoops side playing Livingston. It has virtually no sign or prospect of being seen as an acceptable move.

There are many alternative rumours of Eddie Howe being the answer. Unfortunately none of the stories appear to have much foundation. The only positive aspect is that he is available. But as Newcastle United continue to struggle, his lack of a job may soon be about to end. Most of the internet gossip and pointers are that a move to Parkhead is probably highly speculative and quite unlikely, despite the bookies closing bets on him.

Roy Keane’s name pops up often enough to make Hoops fans concerned. He’s a good laugh at times as a pundit but his managerial abilities are limited from what he has showcased so far. No doubt the Celtic board will have considered him and they’d likely have moved in by now if he was the answer.

Which leads to the question of whether there actually is an answer. A plan. A possible contender or even a short list. Buying time to review Lennon’s position by the end of the season, as the Daily Record report, may well suggest any prospective new manager is either unidentified or unavailable yet. It may be to see if a possible plan to install Kennedy becomes more palatable, though it’s hard to envision that happening.

It’s going to continue to be a mad few months!