Kilmarnock the latest club to show Celtic up; Dyer removed as manager

By David Walton

January 31, 2021

Kilmarnock are just the latest club to show Celtic how to remove an underperforming manager after sacking Alex Dyer yesterday.

Killie are due to face the Hoops in just two days at Rugby Park. However, they come into the match only five points clear of bottom-placed Hamilton. Dyer has been on a dreadful run of form recently, with Killie only managing two wins in their last 11.

The Ayrshire side made the announcement last night. Club chairman Billy Bowie stated that the decision was down to recent results. The statement also said that Kilmarnock will immediately look for a replacement.

And there you have it. Swift judgement from Killie in removing an underperforming manager – as classy a man as Dyer was.

It also follows the biggest news in football last week when Frank Lampard was sacked as Chelsea manager. A Stamford Bridge legend. Even Chelsea proved how easy it was to sack a well-loved club figure when results are tough.

Kilmarnock likely to come into Celtic clash with some momentum

This may sound silly, but expect Kilmarnock to now come bouncing into that clash with Celtic. With a freedom that only the removal of an underperforming manager can bring. They’ll now be on their toes ready to impress the potential or confirmed new boss.

And, more importantly, Bowie has made the decision at a time when Killie have an opportunity to escape the drop. A decision made before things could get too out of hand. And even if it doesn’t work, Kilmarnock won’t rue the fact they never made a change.

It follows on from classy resignations from Gary Holt and Stephen Robinson this season respectively. Holt left Livingston knowing he couldn’t get the best out of his players anymore [BBC]. Robinson did the same at Motherwell earlier this season after realising he had taken them as far as he could.

Alex Dyer with Celtic boss Neil Lennon (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Compare that with Lennon, who still to this day talks about rebuilding for the summer [Daily Record]. He’s been happy to allow our 10-in-a-row chase to crash and burn so long as he keeps his job. Not once has he put the club ahead of himself this season, and that’s what has fans so wound up with this whole saga.

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock show up a Celtic board that comes across as entirely fearful to act. A board that just isn’t listening to supporters. A board that is by no means in the clear just because Peter Lawwell is away in June.

As Killie look forward to a new dawn on Tuesday night, Celtic are left clinging onto second place with the under-achieving Lennon still in his post.

In other news, Mohamed Elyounoussi has refused to be drawn into discussions on his future.