Charlie Nicholas has told Celtic to look at the bigger picture as opposed to appointing a manager with the short term in mind, such as bringing Roy Keane in as manager. Nicholas, who was an outspoken critic of Neil Lennon, said in his Express column that Celtic need to rebuild with a vision in mind over the next few years after the 10IAR bid failed this season.
“Roy Keane’s name has been mentioned over the weekend as being interested in the Celtic manager’s job – again. Chris Wilder has also surged right up the bookies’ favourites’ list after being axed at struggling English Premier League side Sheffield United. But I don’t think either fit the bill to be the next Celtic manager.
“Celtic must rebuild. If that means finding a new technical director, so be it. But it has to be with a young and exciting manager.
“That is why I keep mentioning names such as former Spanish international stars Xavi and Xabi Alonso. The Hoops need someone fresh to build the team up domestically and add to their European reputation.”
Dermot Desmond was influential in bringing Keane to the club as a player and it was believed that he wanted him in 2014 after Neil Lennon announced his departure for the first. Yet Nicholas, who has been a long-time admirer of Keane, believes that he is not the right man for the job. With that said, Nicholas stated he would support Roy if he was given the role.
“Keane was interested in the job back in 2014 but they missed out on him then. They didn’t show him enough respect, with claims suggesting Ronny Deila had to be his No.2.
“Has anything changed since then? Roy’s been out of the game for a couple of years and football has moved on. If Roy was to come in, he wouldn’t be a builder. It would be a game by game scenario, dependent on results.
“I supported Roy for years to be Celtic’s next manager. I wanted him right after Brendan Rodgers because I felt he could have achieved the 10-in-a-row. I was a fan of Roy as a player and a pundit. If he was given the job, I’d support him –but he’s not going to build the club up again.
“He’ll just try and compete with Steven Gerrard at Rangers. Keane would bring a high profile and he is a fighter but he’d only be looking short-term. Celtic need to look at the bigger picture.”
Keane has not been a manager since 2011, when he left Ipswich Town. Since then he has been Martin O’Neill’s Assistant Manager with Ireland and Nottingham Forest as well as a period with Paul Lambert at Aston Villa. Keane is a big name and despite his no nonsense reputation, though many feel he is not the type of candidate the club should be pursuing.
Nicholas would prefer Celtic go for a younger, highly rated manager so maybe Enzo Maresca would fit the bill with that regard. The City U23s coach has earned plaudits for his work with Pep’s B Team and will likely have learned a lot from Guardiola as well as Pellegrini. It is expected, however, that Celtic will appoint a DoF before deciding on who takes over in the dugout.
