Two former Celtic bosses, Martin O’Neill and Neil Lennon, are making plans for managerial returns in England, the Sun on Sunday reports [print edition, 23/05, page 59].
O’Neill has been out of the managerial lark for two years. His last spell in charge of a club was his tenure with Nottingham Forest, which ended in June 2019. Now, after two years out, the Sun believes he’s formulating a new-look backroom staff as he looks to return to management in England at 69.
Lennon, meanwhile, has been doing plenty of punditry work since leaving Celtic back in February. He’s been part of both BBC and Sky Sports broadcasts in recent months.
However, the Sun claims that Lennon has signed up with a PR agency to bolster his profile. Sun journalist Alan Nixon stated that Lennon also has his eyes set on a return to English football. He’s been linked with the Salford City job in recent times [Daily Record].
Celtic fans will undoubtedly be watching both men’s next steps with plenty of intrigue.
Jobs will be there for former Celtic duo in England
It’s difficult to pinpoint at what level both O’Neill and Lennon would have to jump into if they’re planning managerial returns.
Given how disappointing Martin’s time with Notts Forest was, it could be a return to the Championship that’s on the cards. Seldom do you see managers sacked from a club only to leap up a division. Many of England’s top division clubs will instead be eyeing up an alternative candidate.
As for Lennon, it’s anyone’s guess. His time at Celtic, at least his second spell, was utterly toxic. His reputation will have taken a beating in the eyes of those down south who actually paid attention to what was going on up here. Lennon didn’t just leave Celtic – he was more or less forced out by the sheer apathy fans had towards the football club.
Given he can add that to a failure in getting Bolton up the Championship, goodness knows where his next job lies. It could easily be the case that Lennon has to accept a League One role or perhaps even worse. His success with Hibs before he came back to Celtic, however, could easily open up doors if he wants to return to Scotland.
But what will be certain is that there will be opportunities available for both men. O’Neill will undoubtedly be operating at a higher level than Lennon, but neither should expect the EPL to come calling instaneously.
Hopefully, both manage to bag gigs and get themselves back involved in full-time football. It would certainly be interesting to see how they would both get on.
In other news, £7million for David Turnbull is an insult, and the Celtic fans know it.
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