Kieran McKenna continues to be touted as a potential candidate to become Celtic’s next manager. Pundits and supporters continue to discuss the Irishman as a potential contender with recent suggestions in the media that the former Ipswich Town boss could be lined up for Parkhead next summer.
Martin O’Neill remains firmly in position despite raising doubts over his own future following Celtic’s recent Glasgow Derby defeat to Rangers. Chief Executive Michael Nicholson backed the 74-year-old, in a message included in the Annual Report, that Celtic would “come together and support Martin and the players” following a difficult sequence of results.
Attention nevertheless continues to surround the club’s longer-term managerial planning. This really should have put in place in January when Wilfried Nancy was sacked but the reality is that the following season needs to be considered despite errors of the past.
During a discussion on Open Goal, which was covered elsewhere on Celtic Shorts, Aiden McGeady revealed he had heard a rumour involving McKenna before McGeady said:
“I have heard Kieran McKenna is also lined up for next year. I heard that.”
McGeady also pointed towards the financial package McKenna commanded during his time at Ipswich, illustrating one potential difficulty Celtic would encounter if they eventually pursued the highly regarded coach. Ipswich also hold a financial protection if McKenna breaks his sabbatical and returns to football.
Last October, McKenna was a candidate to replace Brendan Rodgers and spoke extensively about his future after being asked about the Hoops. It is believed that there were a number of admirers of the Tractor Boys’ manager in the Celtic Boardroom. Indeed, it was believed that before Rodgers departed that Celtic were fans of McKenna’s body of work. However, no move transpired with Nancy preferred and Ipswich went on a stunning run of form to push for promotion.
McKenna’s teams played good football but also punched above their weight. McKenna would represent an intriguing option whenever Celtic eventually move beyond O’Neill. The highly rated coach had a number of suitors interested in taking him elsewhere in the Premier League over summer but it was clear that he was ready to take a break after his time at Ipswich came to an end.
The Irishman established his reputation at Ipswich after previously working within Manchester United’s coaching structure. His spell at Portman Road delivered an extraordinary rise through the English pyramid and considerably enhanced his standing within the game. It was surprising to see him leave at the end of last season given that he helped Ipswich reclaim their spot in the Premier League.
O’Neill retains the public backing of Celtic’s hierarchy and there has been no indication during the international break that he intends to resign. Nevertheless, Celtic need to begin succession planning. MON’s health scare last month emphasised that he will be unlikely to remain in post next season given the relentless nature of the game today.
The McKenna discussion is therefore better viewed as an early indication of the names potentially entering Celtic’s thinking whenever their next managerial appointment becomes necessary. Given the circumstances around Ipswich’s deal to allow him to leave his contract, it is more likely to be a summer move as opposed to a mid season one.
Celtic need to be proactive with any discussions involving McKenna as there will be significant opposition vying for his signature. Celtic need a unifying appointment, someone that can bring things together and push things in a new manner like Rodgers in 2016 and Postecoglou in 2021.
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