Ex-Celtic striker John Hartson believes caretaker manager John Kennedy could be in the frame to take the role on a permanent basis if he wins the Scottish Cup.
Eddie Howe remains the leading candidate for the job, although the length of time it has taken for the 43-year-old to be appointed has led many to worry that he is having second thoughts.
Asked about Kennedy’s chances of being handed the reins instead, Hartson said that, despite his lack of experience, he could well demonstrate his credentials by getting his hands on silverware:
“The fans might say he’s not a big enough name but what I’d say to that is that John knows that club inside out. He’s been there with three different managers and he would have taken a lot from each of them – particularly Brendan Rodgers on the tactical side because he was magnificent. You look at the way he set his team up, the way that they played and what he’s doing now at Leicester. For me, I think John has to deliver the Scottish Cup.”
Fans on Twitter are very much against appointing Kennedy permanently:
If true then this is an utter disgrace. Lacks ambition, a smack in the face to all Celtic fans as this guy has been about since before Delia. Be prepared to not sell season tickets and to take is back to the dark days of the 90’s. We deserve much much better.
— Francis Doherty (@FrankieBhoy1710) April 13, 2021
Not if Celtic want to sell any season tickets.
— StevieMc1888 (@StevenMcInally1) April 13, 2021
I’d rather give it to hartson in that case
— broony the legend (@steelyhoops) April 13, 2021
@JohnHartson10 no no no
— Housey (@Housey__) April 13, 2021
Got a funny feeling this guy is manager all the way along . Hope not but if he is have to give him my backing bit would prefer someone in way experience
— sutherland Edward (@sutherlandEdwa2) April 13, 2021
Naw he isnae
— nunya business (@ballinacup69) April 13, 2021
If he gets the job we’ll be lucky to get 30 thousand season tickets next season.
— David Murray (@Murrayserge) April 14, 2021
pic.twitter.com/xFhqAkw9nx
— Delaney (@cdcfc92) April 13, 2021
The managerial situation is a difficult one to predict currently. Howe’s hesitancy over taking the job is a big concern and, at some point, Dermot Desmond will have to decide to look at other options.
Whether he will look at Kennedy or reconsider someone like Roy Keane, we shall have to wait and see.
