Here we go again: another ex-Premier League man is being linked to the Celtic job, and this time it’s Nicky Butt.
The former Manchester United man has left his role at the Red Devils, to pursue “a new challenge” [Guardian]. From the time of writing, that was approximately an hour ago. Already, the Butt to Celtic speculation is in overdrive, especially since he’s an ex-teammate of Roy Keane’s.
In a statement released by Manchester United, Butt said:
“I already know from my playing days how difficult it is to leave Manchester United, but it feels like the right moment for a new professional challenge and I look forward to exploring opportunities that build on the great experiences I’ve had here over the past nine years.”
That’s one very long sentence from the former United midfielder. Butt won 6 league titles with the Red Devils, as well as the Champions League in 1999. Under his auspices as head of first-team development, Butt has seen the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Dean Henderson and Mason Greenwood come through the ranks to feature for United’s first-team.
Yet; there’s nothing that’s even remotely concrete. Again, it’s the bookies putting two and two together to make profit.
We could be entirely wrong, but there’s so little to suggest that Nicky Butt is coming to Celtic at this point in time. Our friends at the Deepdale Digest have suggested that the Preston job holds appeal. Alex Neil just left Deepdale after four losses in five matches.
Then, inevitably, Alex Neil to Celtic rumours began in earnest.
Curb your enthusiasm: Nicky Butt is a proven youth coach, but there is no substance in Celtic rumours
It’s a very easy link to make, granted. Nicky Butt was a team-mate of Roy Keane’s for quite some time. Horrifyingly, rumours linking Keane to the Celtic job won’t go away. My apologies if you’re all for it, but the prospect keeps me awake all hours of the day.
Additionally, there are even bookmakers taking bets on Butt getting the top job at Celtic Park.
Would Butt be a good hire for Celtic in some capacity? Sure, the Academy hasn’t been producing top first-team talent for a while, and it might make sense to review that situation. His track record speaks for itself; Marcus Rashford is one of the most valuable players in football today.
Rushing to suggest Nicky Butt for the Celtic job isn’t just premature, though, it’s nonsense. If any top manager’s job is going to appeal to him, it’ll be the one down the road at Preston. The desperation to turn Celtic v Rangers into Manchester United v Liverpool isn’t just tiresome, it’s reductive and makes our top-flight look small time.
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t care about the lustre that the Glasgow Derby holds to Manchester United and Liverpool supporters. No harm to them, I just don’t see how it benefits us to have “BLOCKBUSTER!!!” names in the dugout.
Celtic supposedly have a long-term vision that’s beyond shouty has-beens and geared more towards succeeding domestically and in Europe by playing attacking football.
So, yes, have we taken the bait from the rumour mill? Sure. But is Nicky Butt going to be Celtic manager? It’s incredibly unlikely.
Let’s just take a wee breather before we jump to manager links. It’s unlikely to be a decision the board are rushing to make, given the stakes.
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