3 exciting candidates to be Celtic’s director of football

With promises of the Celtic board finalising and preparing to share their new year review there is much expectation of a shake up in the clubs structure. A Director of Football for the Hoops may well be named as part of that and before any change in manager is announced.

Let’s put the whole debate around how and when Neil Lennon is replaced as Celtic manager. Whatever your views and opinions that may yet be some time away with the end of the season now seeming the most likely timing if a change is to happen.

With the recent news of Dominic McKay coming in as CEO when Peter Lawwell leaves the role at the season end, it does look as though a Director of Football will be the first step in a much needed structural overhaul for the Parkhead club.

Media comment and rumours are now taking shape on potential candidates for an appointment. Given the conflict seen at times in the past where CEO decisions were influencing or even controlling player signing matters, a DoF may well be a great solution to sit between CEO and the manager.

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While there are some strange examples across clubs where this hasn’t worked well as a structure, it’s often been due to a mix of the characters involved and a lack of adaptation to a new set up. There does seem plenty of success for a DoF role across many clubs, Marc Overmars at Ajax and Paulo Maldini at AC Milan being prime examples.

This structure and role being deployed at Celtic could be a very positive step in moving forward after the very awkward season being endured now. It does of course mean the right appointment is essential. It could be a terrific partnership if the DoF and a new manager can work closely together. That’s a positive aspect of one of the current rumoured candidates.

Recent media comment suggests there are some some excellent prospects being considered. Let’s take a look at 3 exciting contenders.