Chris Sutton has stated that John Kennedy would be “such an underwhelming appointment” if Celtic decide to go down that route.
Many Hoops fans still live in fear of Neil Lennon’s former assistant being handed the reins on a permanent basis. This comes after two unconvincing games in charge against Aberdeen and Dundee United respectively.
The demand for the summer is a manager who will provide an injection of freshness. An ambitious appointment that signifies a major change of direction at the football club. Kennedy’s appointment would signify anything but.
And Sutton is in full agreement with the Hoops fans who believe it’s not possible to give him the job. Despite being a highly-rated coach, Kennedy has yet to experience being a number one. For popular pundit Sutton, there’s no justification for John to be in the gig beyond the summer.
Speaking on the Record Celtic podcast, he said: “No. It just can’t happen. Look, John’s a good Celtic man and a good club man. But what message would that send to the supporters? John has been part of the Neil Lennon regime and been a loyal servant to the club.
“But that would be such an underwhelming appointment. Imagine the supporters turning up first day of next season and John Kennedy’s in charge. It is, with the greatest respect to John, and he may in future years manage Celtic – he cann0t manage Celtic next season.
“That is a no-no appointment. John may be a really excellent coach and in years to come he may really develop into a top, top coach. But now is not the right time to appoint John Kennedy.”
Sutton bang on, but Celtic won’t appoint John Kennedy as fans won’t let them get away with it
Personally, I believe there’s more of widespread fear of this than the idea deserves. I don’t think there’s anything Kennedy can do between now and the summer that would lead to him getting the job. Even if he won at Tannadice and secured victories in every game along with a Scottish Cup win – he still wouldn’t get the job.
The reason being that the supporters simply wouldn’t accept it. There is no way, after how much we’ve been insulted and ignored this season, that Celtic will go down the Kennedy route. It’s far too comical a decision. So unbelievable that there would be no way to justify it.
It probably shows just how shockingly poor the Celtic board have treated fans this season. The fact this is even a major concern doesn’t reflect well on anyone at Parkhead.
But as well as the point above, you have to remember major change is coming to Parkhead. If Dominic McKay, a well-known Celtic supporter, is having a say, then is he really going to push for Kennedy? Is that the man he wants in charge of a period that will also define McKay’s reputation?
With a director of football also reportedly coming in [Daily Mail], where’s the evidence that Kennedy will be the manager? What DoF worth his salt will take the gig knowing he’s to work with someone who’s never been a manager before?
Don’t worry about Kennedy being a contender. Even with the blundering Celtic board that’s currently in place, they surely can’t go that far….
In other news, a Daily Mail journalist has clarified the Edouard sell-on fee between Celtic and PSG.
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