Celtic are searching for their next manager following the resignation of Neil Lennon.
The Scottish champions had been hoping to add a 10th consecutive title this season but have fallen 18 points behind Old Firm rivals Rangers, with Lennon admitting their performances have simply not been good enough.
“We have experienced a difficult season due to so many factors and it is very frustrating and disappointing that we have not been able to hit the same heights as we did previously,” Lennon said.
“I have worked as hard as ever to try and turn things around, but unfortunately we have not managed to get the kind of run going that we have needed.”
Lennon’s assistant John Kennedy has been installed as manager on an interim basis and he is among the favourites to take the job permanently.
Below, i assesses the candidates to take charge at Parkhead…
John Kennedy
The former defender has long been thought of as a future Celtic manager. The 37-year-old has been at Parkhead for years in various roles.
First appointed first-team coach under Ronny Deila, Kennedy carried on under Brendan Rodgers and was promoted to assistant manager when Lennon replaced his fellow Northern Irishman in February 2019.
The fact he has been part of the management team in a disastrous season may count against him but he is nevertheless the bookmakers’ early favourite to get the job.
Odds: 5-4
Eddie Howe
The 43-year-old former Bournemouth manager has previously been a clear favourite of the bookmakers and remains so with many fans on social media.
Howe spent most of his playing career with the Cherries and started out his managerial career with the south coast club in 2008.
After a brief spell as manager at Burnley, Howe returned to Bournemouth and led them to two promotions in three seasons, taking them to the Premier League for the first time.
Bournemouth were relegated to the Championship in 2020, and Howe left the club by mutual consent in August but his reputation remains intact.
Odds: 3-1
Steve Clarke
The Scotland boss has emerged as one of the favourites in recent days even though he has declared he will not leave his job before leading his country into their first major tournament in 23 years this summer.
Celtic may be prepared to wait until after the delayed Euro 2020 if they believe the former West Brom and Reading boss can have the same impact in Glasgow as he did when twice leading Kilmarnock to club-record points tallies.
Odds: 6-1
Roberto Martinez
Another manager who may prefer to wait until after the delayed Euro 2020 this summer where his side Belgium will be among the favourites.
The Spaniard is highly rated after leading Swansea to promotion from League One to the Championship and helping Wigan stay in the Premier League for three seasons as well as winning the FA Cup.
Celtic previously tried to appoint him manager in 2009 before he took the job with the Latics and he is among the favourites to succeed Lennon.
Odds: 8-1
Rafa Benitez
The former Liverpool, Inter and Real Madrid boss is one of the most decorated candidates for this job.
A Champions League winner at Anfield and La Liga and Uefa Cup champion with Valencia, Benitez also led Newcastle to the Championship title and is still a hugely popular figure on Tyneside.
He is a free agent after leaving his most recent role at Dalian in the Chinese Super League.
Odds: 9-1
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/2ZKOWfw
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