Celtic are interested in appointing Kieran McKenna as Martin O’Neill’s long-term successor, although complications are likely to arise before any move.
According to Football Insider, Celtic would be very interested in exploring a move for McKenna to become their new manager. Current boss Martin O’Neill is not expected to stay beyond his current deal, which expires in the summer, and if Celtic were to approach the former Ipswich Town manager, there are several levels of complications along the way.
McKenna truly made his mark as a manager with Ipswich Town, helping the club secure two promotions to the Premier League. He was previously a coach at Manchester United and was also briefly considered as a potential option to become their full-time manager, although a move never materialised.
Having led Ipswich to another promotion, McKenna decided to step back from managing the club and is currently without a role. Several teams are considering a move for the talented 40-year-old former Manchester United coach, with Celtic the latest to enter the race.
Celtic do not expect O’Neill to manage beyond his current agreement, which expires in the summer. The possibility of appointing a new manager sooner rather than later is also being considered, with plans underway to identify the right successor to the experienced current boss.
Kieran McKenna on Celtic’s shortlist
Celtic are reportedly eager to explore a move for McKenna and convince him to take over from O’l’Neill for the long term. Other names have been mentioned, with Sean Dyche recently linked with the Celtic job, while McKenna now appears to be a key target.
The route to appointing McKenna is not straightforward for Celtic, amid suggestions in the report that they may have to pay Ipswich Town £8 million in compensation. That would indicate that the 40-year-old tactician remains contractually tied to the Premier League side.
Secondly, there is interest from other clubs, as McKenna was recently linked with Crystal Palace as a possible replacement for the under-fire Pierre Sage. More importantly, McKenna’s own ambitions will also play a key role, and the former Ipswich manager may have aspirations to manage in the Premier League.
Overall, the road is not an easy one for Celtic in this pursuit, and only time will tell whether they can bring him to the club. Competition from other clubs and McKenna’s own career ambitions could all shape the outcome.
Celtic will need to decide whether McKenna is worth the financial commitment and whether they can convince him that Parkhead is the right next step. If they succeed, he could provide a long-term managerial solution and help shape the club’s future.
