Celtic’s process to hire a new permanent manager is underway.
The announcement of Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation was paired with the announcement that Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney would be the interim leaders of the team.
It’s a stunning return for Celtic legend O’Neill, who delivered a historic treble and a run to a European final in his storied first spell in Glasgow.
Despite the romance of his return, it was admittedly overshadowed by an astonishing attack on Brendan Rodgers by Dermot Desmond in a statement. Not a single punch pulled.
With Maloney also entering the Hoops dugout, another Celtic player from the 2000s has also been given a shock endorsement for the Hoops job from Ally McCoist.
Ally McCoist tips ex-Celtic defender for Parkhead appointment
Ange Postecoglou is the current favourite for the Parkhead hotseat. Kieran McKenna’s name is also in the frame.
O’Neill has said that he expects Celtic to appoint a ‘young manager with a proven record’ in the near future.
And in a left-field suggestion, McCoist has tipped former Celtic and Scotland defender Gary Caldwell for the Hoops job.
Sacked in his first three jobs at Wigan, Chesterfield and Partick Thistle, Caldwell is now in his fourth season at Exeter City in League One.
For McCoist, there’s no reason why Celtic shouldn’t consider him. He said: “Oh, he’s done fine at Exeter. He certainly has [done a terrific job at Exeter], Gary.
“I obviously know him and his brother Stephen very, very well. He’s done a fabulous job down at Exeter.
“There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be [considered]. His name would definitely come into the equation if they’re looking for somebody young with new ideas.
“Absolutely, why not. It’s interesting the way that they’ve gone with Martin [O’Neill]. I think it’s a great move, straight away for a bit of stability.
“I could see him staying there until the end of the season, and then it would be interesting to see what happens.”
Ex-Celtic players currently in management
Along with Caldwell, there are plenty of other ex-Celts in management at the moment, at various levels.
Scott Brown is at Ayr United, where he has a number of Celtic B players on loan. The same goes for Mark Wilson at Partick Thistle.
Robbie Keane is at Ferencvaros in Budapest, where he has admittedly had a difficult start to the season, sitting fifth in the table and being eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers.
Perhaps the most impressive ex-Celtic man currently in a job is Craig Bellamy, who is taking Wales’ World Cup qualification campaign right to the wire.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
