Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy has reportedly committed his future to the club, ending speculation that he could be the next man to take charge of Hibernian, The Scottish Sun report.
The paper say that Hibees owner Ron Gordon was ready to sanction an ambitious move for the former defender before learning that there was absolutely no chance of him leaving Neil Lennon’s side.
The Daily Record meanwhile believe that Celtic were looking for as much as £300,000 in compensation should the move have progressed.
It all comes after Lennon praised Kennedy highly earlier this week after the Hibs links first reached the media.
As quoted by BBC Scotland, he said: “I don’t want him to go for a start.
“It doesn’t surprise me, because he is a superb coach. It is a feather in a cap for John if that is the case, but as far as I’m concerned he won’t be going anywhere, he is very integral to what we are doing here.”
It now sounds as the manager is going to get his way, keeping the core of his coaching staff at Lennoxtown as we make a push for trophies this season.
Valued cog in the Celtic machine
Kennedy has long been a key member of the first-team staff, working under Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers and now Lennon.
Last season he proved vital in the transition between the latter two, picking the team for a dramatic victory against Hearts at Tynecastle in the wake of Rodgers’ departure. Celtic also made a point of unveiling both Kennedy and Lennon as a package deal when the former captain took temporary charge.
He clearly has the trust of the hierarchy at Celtic Park. Given his rise in prominence over the last few years it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him as the leader in the dugout in years to come.
For now though his focus will be serving Lennon and delivering on our ambitions in 2019/20.
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