Mark Guidi says Dermot Desmond’s role in Celtic’s manager search has changed, who is involved

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Celtic fans don’t hear from Dermot Desmond very often.

But when they do, the man sitting at the top of Celtic’s tree is heard loud and clear, just like when Brendan Rodgers left suddenly last month.

Since then, Celtic have been searching for a new manager, but how are the powers that be going about the process and who is involved?

In years gone by, whether it’s Rodgers returning to Parkhead or Martin O’Neill’s first stint at Celtic, it’s Desmond who is calling the shots, but things could now be changing.

• READ MORE: Alan Brazil shares what he’s been told about Celtic’s manager search, could follow Tony Bloom’s path

The role Dermot Desmond will play in appointing Celtic’s next manager

Mark Guidi listed the managers Desmond has previously ‘hand-picked’, including O’Neill, Gordon Strachan and Rodgers. They were all a huge success.

But speaking on Go Radio, the Scottish journalist stated, ‘that won’t be the case this time’, whilst he will be involved, others, such as his son Ross and Celtic’s Head of Football Operations, Paul Tisdale, alongside the board, are going to be running things.

“Many occasions in the past, Dermot Desmond has hand-picked the manager,” said Guidi. “Martin O’Neill. Gordon Strachan. Brendan Rodgers.

“My understanding is that won’t be the case this time. Obviously, he will be involved. His son, Ross Desmond, will be involved, but there will be a proper process.

“So, for example, Wilfried Nancy’s name has been mentioned. There is a connection to Paul Tisdale.

“Paul Tisdale, I am led to believe, very much, has Dermot Desmond’s ear, and the board will be involved in the process as well.”

When will Celtic begin the interview process for a new manager?

O’Neill is holding the fort for Celtic, and it looks as though he will still be in charge when the players return after the November international break.

Guidi explained that Celtic are close to drawing up a shortlist of who they want as their next manager, and an interview process is in the ‘next week’

“I believe Celtic will be closing in on a shortlist,” said Guidi. “They might start on an interview process in the next week or so.

“I think the fact that Martin O’Neill has gone in and really steadied things. Actually moving forward. He has got to a cup final, there is no rush, so Celtic have got time on their side, as in to go through a robust and proper process.

“I think Celtic will go through an interview process with three or possibly four people, in the knowledge that they have an excellent manager.”