The race for Celtic's next manager is tighter than the odds suggest

Celtic will appoint a new manager in the summer, but who is in the running for the Parkhead dugout?
Portugal v Armenia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Portugal v Armenia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier | Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/GettyImages

With Martin O'Neill taking charge for the second time this season after Wilfried Nancy's disastrous tenure, Celtic are still in the running for three trophies this season.

In the summer, the Hoops will appoint a new permanent manager, but who is currently in the running according to online odds?

Celtic managerial odds

  • Roberto Martinez - 4/1
  • Martin O'Neill - 7/2
  • Jens Berthel Askou - 6/1
  • Robbie Keane - 8/1
  • Graham Potter - 10/1

Roberto Martinez

Leading the race, bookies reckon that the current Portuguese national team coach will take the Celtic job come August.

Rumours have swirled of Martinez already having had conversations with Shaun Maloney during his time at Celtic, with ESPN now reporting that the World Cup manager is not expected to renew his contract after the competition.

Celtic may be looking to appoint a manager sooner than he would be available, with some people suggesting that this makes him an unlikely candidate.

Martin O'Neill

Current head coach O'Neill is still considered likely to take on the job after this season. If he delivers success, that quickly becomes even more likely.

The Celtic legend has already said that he is not expecting to stay in the job at the end of the season, with the Daily Record reporting that he could potentially be in line for a director of football role in the near future.

Fans have enjoyed his return this season, and he has brought some great signings to the club during his time in the role, notably Tomas Cvancara, Julian Aurajo and Junior Adamu.

He has a brilliant record, having won 13 out of his 16 games at the club this season, but he'll probably be ready for less stress come the summer.

Jens Berthel Askou

Berthel Askou is reportedly on the radar of the Celtic board after his Motherwell side has been flying this season.

The Well currently sit fourth in this table, amazingly only 11 points off the top spot.

His team has aggressive, attacking football, and sources say that the manager "ticks a lot of boxes" for the Hoops hierarchy.

With Motherwell on course for their first top-half finish in the Scottish Premiership in four years, he may be in for a shout in the race for the Parkhead dugout.

Robbie Keane

Former Celtic striker Keane already has a notable managerial record, having led both Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros to league titles.

Although he shut down links to Celtic earlier in the season by saying he is "happy" at Ferencvaros, he made sure to start his response with "never say never".

Celtic could potentially look to Ireland's all-time top goalscorer to take the club forward in the summer, and it's a move I'm sure he'd enjoy.

Graham Potter

After having a difficult time at Premier League sides Chelsea and West Ham, Potter will be looking to get back on the radar, and the Celtic job could be the best move for him.

The Englishman is currently at the helm of the Swedish national team but only on a short-term basis. He is set to manage them for the 2026 World Cup if they make it, but will be available after that.

The national team didn't finish in the top two of their qualification group, so they will now take part in play-off games.

They will first take on Ukraine at a neutral ground, and if they progress past them, they will take on either Poland or Albania on home soil.

Should Potter fail to make the World Cup, he will be unlikely to keep his job, and Celtic could come calling even if he does.

He would be a great option for the Celts, and someone who supporters surely wouldn't mind in the dugout of Celtic Park.

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