Celtic managerial target Robbie Keane has resigned from his role as Ferencvaros manager amid rumours that he is the frontrunner to step into the Parkhead dugout.
It has been a difficult season for the Celts. Under three different managers, they had a tougher time in the Scottish Premiership than usual, but yet, Martin O’Neill ensured that they walked away with their fifth consecutive league title.
After Saturday’s Scottish Cup final, which will see him go head-to-head with Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline, the 74-year-old will likely step aside, paving the way for whoever the next manager will be.
The most likely option was former Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou. Up until Wednesday, it was said that he was ‘incredibly keen’ on taking the job; however, things changed in an instant this week. On Thursday, he was confirmed as the new manager of Ligue 1 side Toulouse, leaving the Hoops with one less option to replace O’Neill.
Now, the bookies and journalists from around Scotland reckon that Keane is the most likely person for the Celtic job.
After suffering heartbreak with Ferencvaros this season, losing out on the league title by one point, he departs Hungary in search of another role. He is in the running to take over both the Hoops and Slovan Bratislava, and his next destination isn’t entirely clear.
His Celtic connection makes it likely that he would prefer to take over at Parkhead; however, fans are torn on his appointment. Not only do they believe that the Celts can attract someone of a higher quality, but his previous managerial stint in Israel is a point of contention.
However, it doesn’t appear that it is a problem for the Hoops hierarchy. As far as we are aware, they see him as a viable option, but whether they can conduct their business quickly enough to convince him to put pen to paper is yet to be seen.
The favourites to take over at Celtic
Robbie Keane – 15/8
Martin O’Neill – 15/8
Roberto Martinez – 4/1
Thomas Frank – 7/1
Craig Bellamy – 15/2
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