A ‘delay’ in Celtic talks for Robbie Keane indicates that he could be made to wait for the job.
Dermot Desmond has conducted talks in London this week, but we’re now on Friday morning and nothing seems to be imminent.
Both Keane and Martin O’Neill have been reported by different sources to be Desmond’s preferred option for the job, but has the process hit a standstill rather than a conclusion?
Journo Alan Nixon is ‘puzzled’ by the delay since talks with Keane began.
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‘Over two days’ since Celtic met Robbie Keane
According to Nixon on X, it has been over two days since Celtic met Keane; talks were reported to have taken place on Monday.
To our knowledge, the only other candidate spoken to has been O’Neill.
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We also now know that Keane is Seoul, South Korea for a charity match with Liverpool. Far from signing his contract at Parkhead.
His talks with Celtic were described as ‘constructive’, and there is no inclination as of yet that he is out of the running for the job.
We may just have to wait until next week. Celtic aren’t exactly known for making decisions and getting deals done quickly.
There have been also been rumours of Keane visiting Lennoxtown earlier this week, but these are yet to be verified.
Keane’s candidacy for the role has proven deeply controversial. His spell managing in Israel is troubling for many in the Parkhead support, including the club’s most influential supporter groups.
Again, though, this is nothing new from Celtic. Controversy off the field is never too far away, and if the 45-year-old is appointed, we could be set for more civil war.
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Celtic’s manager race: the state of play
Keane is already lining up his Celtic backroom staff, with Scott Brown and Jonny Hayes in line for Parkhead returns and Stephen Glass also prepared to accompany the Irishman.
O’Neill’s status will factor into Shaun Maloney’s role next season; the 43-year-old has reportedly been interviewed for the upstairs role of Head of Football Operations.
Keane’s pre-existing relationship with Desmond is well-known and undoubtedly a factor in his candidacy for the hotseat.
O’Neill has been vocal about his reservations over the role, and could yet decide to step out of the running.
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