Swedish coach and former football player Henrik Larsson arrives to attend the draw for the UEFA Europa League football group stage 2017/18 on August 25, 2017 in Monaco. Photo VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images
Alan Stubbs has thrown another name into the hat for who should take over the reins at Celtic Park, with the former central defender angling for the return of the King of Kings, Henrik Larsson. No matter when over the years, Henrik’s name has always come into the discussion at some point by someone and this time it’s Scottish Cup winning boss Stubbs.
The ex-Celt reckons it would be a popular choice with the fans but I’ve got to be honest, I’m not so sure it would be after witnessing the past two years under Ange Postecoglou and his swashbuckling style of play and undeniable qualities as both a coach, and in the transfer market.
18 Mar 2001: Henrik Larsson of Celtic is congratulated by his manager Martin O”Neill as his hat-trick won the cup for his team after the Scottish CIS Insurance Cup Final against Kilmarnock played at Hampden Park, Celtic won the match 3-0. PhotoJamie McDonald /Allsport
Super Swede, Larsson, who gave the club the prime years of his footballing career is undoubtedly box office but at this junction, it would be a major risk. With no notable successes in the management game, he was part of Ronald Koeman’s backroom staff during the Dutchman’s ill-fated spell at Barcelona a couple of seasons back.
Nevertheless, someone always floats the King of Kings name when the Parkhead hot seat becomes available and this time it was big Stubbs. Speaking to Safe Betting Sites, the former Hibernian boss said: “Is it time for the King to come back? I know things haven’t gone that well for Henrik in terms of a couple of the manager roles and he has been more of a coach.
Hibernian Manager Alan Stubbs lifts the cup during the Scottish Cup Final between theRangers and Hibernian at Hampden Park on May 21, 2016. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty)
“Would it interest Henrik? It would certainly be a popular choice with the fans but whether it would be the right choice remains to be seen. Can you imagine Henrik back at Celtic Park? It’s an interesting one!
Celtic’s Henrik Larsson celebrates after scoring the opening goal against RSC Anderlecht during their Champions league Group A match at Celtic Park, 05 November 2003. (Photo IAN STEWART/AFP via Getty Images): Barcelona’s Henrik Larsson celebrate after scoring a goal with his team mates Deco and Ronaldinho against Betis during their Spanish League football match at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, 18 February 2006. Photo CESAR RANGEL/AFP via Getty Images)Swedish forward Henrik Larsson speaks to the media after a training session at the Swedish training camp in Lugano on June 12, 2008. (Photo Leon Neal/AFP via Getty Images)Ex-Celtic player Henrik Larsson looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Celtic and Juventus at Celtic Park Stadium on February 12, 2013 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Swedish coach and former football player Henrik Larsson arrives to attend the draw for the UEFA Europa League football group stage 2017/18 on August 25, 2017 in Monaco. Photo VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images
“Overall, there is no doubt that Celtic will be working quickly and trying to get their new man in so they can get ready for the season. It’s a quick turnaround this summer after the winter World Cup so the business has to be done swiftly.”
Undeniably a Hollywood-style appointment. But not at this juncture in afraid, Alan.
Paul Gillespie
Photo imago/United Archives International 1967 European Cup Final Celtic v Inter Milan Jubilant fans Celtic carry a mock up of the European Cup round the ground after Celtic had defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in the final. 25th May 1967.
Photo imago/United Archives International 1967 European Cup Final Celtic v Inter Milan Jubilant fans of Scotland s Celtic football team carry a mock up of the European Cup round the ground after Celtic had defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in the final. 25th May 1967.
I'm a Garngad Bhoy through and through. My first ever Celtic game was a friendly against Italian side Parma at Celtic Park, in 2002. Currently a student of English Literature and Education at the University of Strathclyde for my sins. Favourite game would be a toss up between beating Manchester United with that Naka freekick, or the game against the Oldco when Hesselink scored in the dying seconds. I'm still convinced Cal Mac is wasted playing that far back.
