A report from the Daily Record has raised a serious question about John Kennedy’s long-term Celtic future.
Kennedy was the interim boss for the final 10 games last season after taking over from Neil Lennon. He was previously Lennon’s assistant, with supporters angry at what appeared to be his untouchable status.
Indeed, whenever past regimes have either been tossed out or decided to walk, Kennedy has always survived the cull. This level of seeming invincibility has had the Celtic supporters livid in the past.
However, now could be the time when he decides to move on. The Record reports that Kennedy is keen to make the move into management after his 10-game spell as interim boss. It’s said he could be persuaded if the right opportunity came along.
Yet, in what will perhaps anger some Hoops fans, a role could be available for him at Celtic if he wants it. The newspaper states that he’s expected to be offered a role in the Eddie Howe regime.
John Kennedy’s Celtic future up in the air; now’s the right time to go
We spoke earlier this week about how essential it was for the new manager to build from the ground up. That includes removing Kennedy and Strachan from their current first-team roles. We need all memories of this season vanquished, and that includes those who contributed to the failure in the coaching side of things.
But it appears that in order for Kennedy to go, he needs to be offered a new role. That doesn’t look like being the Ross County gig, with Malky Mackay reportedly set to bag that one.
For Kennedy’s own ambition, he really needs to head off. He states that he wants to become a Celtic manager one day. But a step back into the first-team coaching ranks would be exactly that – a step back. He’s now tasted assistant and interim management – as close as you can get to being your own man without actually having the title.
Clubs around Scotland will be interested in Kennedy too, regardless of what we think of him. Remember, he was said to be Hibernian’s first choice before they appointed Jack Ross. He’s well thought of, and that will open up plenty of doors for him.
If Kennedy’s keen on taking a the plunge into management, now is the time. It would be the best thing for himself and the best thing for Celtic. If he truly wants to do the best for the club, he’ll remove himself and look to make his mark elsewhere.
It’s promising that he’ll reportedly move on if the right offer comes along. Fingers crossed then that he’s on the candidate list of clubs around the country this summer.
In other news, Celtic should keep tabs on this young Euro hotshot with close Hoops connections.
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