Celtic boss Neil Lennon will be happy that John Kennedy is definitely not be going to Hibs.
The Edinburgh side will have former Sunderland man Jack Ross in the dug out. Reports last night suggest the Scot will take over from Paul Heckingbottom who was sacked last week.
Kennedy, a front runner in the Hibs race, will remain as Hoops number two to everyone’s relief.
John Kennedy out of Hibs manager race at last
He may have been reportedly ruled out two days ago, but nothing is ever concrete in football.
Now, news outlets are claiming that former St Mirren gaffer Ross will be the new man in charge.
Kennedy joined Ross and Harry Kewell as possible options for Hibs supremo Leanne Dempster. Kewell ruled himself out despite going to the Hibees’ trip to St Johnstone in a rare convincing win.
Lennon, meanwhile, was praying his number two wouldn’t be spoken to about the position, as were the fans. Kennedy is rightfully getting the plaudits for his work as assistant while working under his third Hoops boss.
The 36-year-old will know if he bides his time, then he could possibly even take over from Lennon in future. He will want his stock to remain high and a poor shot at an inconsistent Hibs could have dented his reputation.
Former player a good call to take over?
The consensus seems to be that Kennedy is a popular figure and knows his football. Some fans and pundits will be linking the former Hoops centre-back to the full time role in years to come.
However, other names such as Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney will also be brought up as possibilities. Maloney is currently assistant to Roberto Martinez at Belgium and is very highly thought of in Europe. Brown has dabbled in Celtic youth coaching in the past and has been captain and player at the Hoops for 12 years at present.
The line to succession isn’t a straight one for Kennedy but he is up there. It’ll all be down to who the board can trust to continue the great work of the heroes before them.
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