Ronny Deila to depart Celtic: Six shouts for next Bhoys boss

David Moyes

The Glasgow-born ex-Celtic centre back fits the criteria in that he has close ties to the club and a wealth of experience on the continent. Yet, recently relegated Aston Villa could prove a real rival for the Scot’s signature and he might be better suited to the second city side with his ability to organise a staunch defence, as Bhoys support crave a splash of flair at Celtic Park.

Neil Lennon

The 44-year-old’s Trotters challenge may not have gone to plan but there were extenuating circumstances at the Macron Stadium. A one-time Leicester City and Manchester City midfielder, Lennon would be the simple choice to return to Celtic Park having won 11 major trophies there in his successful stint as a player and five as a coach.

Lennon (an 11/4 chance) knows Celtic inside-out, and the boyhood fan is 11/4 to make his return as Bhoys boss despite his stock being low at the moment. When asked of his interest in the position, he said: “That’s the 54 million dollar question. I have never hidden my affinity with the club.

“Would I like to go back? If the opportunity arose to speak to the board, absolutely,” Lennon finished. Though, some say you should never go back. And, while he should get plaudits for leaving his comfort zone, Celtic may want to now look forward instead of to the past.

Roy Keane

Keane is 6/1 third favourite to be Celtic’s chosen one, but it might be a risky move. The 44-year-old from Cork spent the last six months of his playing career at Celtic Park, where he was no less outspoken, but his managerial record is mixed at best.

From a hero at Sunderland, who pulled the Wearsiders to a Championship title and Premier League promotion, the Mackems situation imploded but a season later, while troubled times at Ipswich Town and as Aston Villa assistant followed. Celtic surely require a steadier hand.

Henrik Larsson

The Helsingborg-born hero could be just the boost the Celts require as Rangers return to rival them for the top-flight trophy, but is currently bossing his hometown in the Allsvenskan. Still, the lure of Celtic could well see the lauded and lethal striker’s head turned.

“Everyone knows what my feelings are for the club. I will go to Scotland sooner or later,” Larsson once said of his future intentions for a Bhoys reunion. Hmmmm…

Brendan Rodgers

Despite a bright start which saw a second placed league finish for Liverpool and Rodgers named LMA Manager of The Year 2014, things began to go a little sour during the end of his tenure.

Without a job since October 2015, Rodgers might just leap at the chance of a club where he can compete in Europe and have an excellent chance of collecting silverware every season. While, his once lauded possession play and attacking intent, as well as potential player pull and connections, could see the coach prove a success up in Scotland.

Michael O’Neill

Unlikely to better the feat of reaching France, the Celtic job (which he is 20/1 to take) would be an intriguing opportunity for O’Neill, who has shown he knows how to inspire his sides to dig deep and can extract the best from what he has as well as promote youth, to splash the cash as a club manager.

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