Ex-Celtic man Barry Robson headhunted for new manager role outside UK

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Barry Robson is remembered fondly by Celtic fans.

Signed by Gordon Strachan in January 2008, he spent just two years at the Hoops, but he certainly made his presence felt.

He joined in the thick of Celtic’s famous 2007-08 season and picked up the rare accolade of scoring with his first touch for the club – a free-kick against Aberdeen.

He scored on his Champions League debut against Barcelona a few weeks later, and played a starring role in multiple vital wins over Rangers in the Celts’ unlikely title win.

Now a manager, he has led Aberdeen and Raith Rovers – but he could be heading out of the UK for his next role.

Ex-Celtic midfielder Barry Robson in the running for manager role in Ireland

The Dons made Robson’s interim role permanent in March 2023, and made the integral loan signing of Liam Scales the following season.

However, a week after a humiliating Scottish Cup defeat to Darvel the following January, he was sacked by Aberdeen.

READ MORE: Gustaf Lagerbielke’s Braga heroics sink Jose Mourinho as ex-Celtic man reaches final

He dropped down to the Scottish Championship for his next role with Raith Rovers, replacing Ian Murray. He lost 5-0 in one of his first games, a Scottish Cup tie at Celtic Park.

Since being sacked by Raith a few months ago, he has returned to punditry duty, but is now reportedly in the running for a role in the Republic of Ireland.

According to the Irish Mirror, Robson is among the contenders to become manager of Cork City.

Cork finished rock bottom of the Irish Premier Division, and after the resignation of Ger Nash, they have hired Leeds boss Simon Grayson to find them a new manager.

And if Robson fancies a crack at bringing them straight back up, he’ll be heading to Munster for his next role.

Cork are one of the most widely-supported clubs in Ireland and have won the national title three times, most recently in 2017.

Barry Robson on his time at Celtic

Reflecting on his time at Celtic in 2024, Robson told the Celtic website: “It’s the memories you look back on and we were actually a very successful team.

“We got to the last 16 of the Champions League and won leagues and cups, so to share those experiences with that group of players was great, so it’ll be good to meet up again with the likes of Broony, Big Jan, Artur and Mick.

““Celtic is more than a club, and when you’ve played there or been lucky enough to meet the people and be there, you realise it’s more than a football club – I always say that to people.

“You could go and play for big clubs in England, but they’re not as big as Celtic. It’s not the same pressure, but I’m telling you that now. There are not many clubs in the world that have got that demand.”