Neil Lennon blow as another former Celtic star favourite for Hibernian job

Would we be surprised to see a former Celtic player as the new Hibernian manager? Probably not given the many crossovers between the two clubs over the years. After Neil Lennon was being tipped by many for a possible return to Easter Road and rumours had suggested that he was open to it as well, the focus is now on a new favourite. That man is Shaun Maloney.

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Maloney is the number 1 candidate for the Hibernian job and could be appointed within the next 48 hours, ahead of Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final against Celtic.

It would add a real twist to the final if Maloney was in charge of Hibernian. He might not be the only former Celtic player heading to Easter Road though.

It is believed that Gary Caldwell is being lined up as his number 2. Nothing is set in stone though and it remains to be seen what the future holds.

Could the former Celtic star be headed to Hibernian?

It’s quite possible, and he’d be a credible candidate for the Hibernian job. As the assistant manager to Roberto Martinez, Maloney has picked up considerable coaching experience with the Belgium national team.

Maloney has also been widely praised for his strong understanding of football and many might remember that there were some rumours linking him with a potential move to Celtic in the recent past as well, although that did not end up happening and the club appointed Ange Postecoglou.

It could be a great move for both Maloney, who is believed to have always been keen to manage a club and for Hibernian as well, who could possibly develop an exciting style of play under his management.

Perhaps most interestingly, his first game in charge could be against Celtic in the final of the Scottish League Cup.

Any such move would be a blow for Neil Lennon as well, who has been out of management since leaving Celtic in the middle of the 2020/21 campaign.