We see it in almost every situation where a club will experience the “new manager bounce” once an unpopular boss moves on, so you really cannot judge them on the first few games.
It also makes the idea of an interim boss very dangerous as there’s little pressure and results inevitably pick up, so it leaves the club in a situation where they feel they have to be given the job full time.
History is full of examples of interim managers who were given the job after a positive run to begin with, but it’s never a long-term solution that works out well.
Neil Lennon is the perfect example as he was only ever supposed to be the short-term solution to Brendan Rodgers leaving, so it’s not a great surprise that he’s now expected to leave:
EXCLUSIVE: Neil Lennon to LEAVE Celtic in the next 24 hours https://t.co/fms4B85vc1 pic.twitter.com/vIraDB3SZH
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) February 23, 2021
John Kennedy is set to get the job on an interim basis and you have to think that performances will pick up – but that could simply lead to another identical situation.
If the board felt he was the best man for the job then he would get the job on a permanent basis now, so there has to be a proper search for a new manager to come in this summer.
The fans have been reacting to the Neil Lennon news tonight, and the last thing they want to see is the club making the same mistake and somehow giving the job to John Kennedy like they did with Lenny:
Buzzing Lennons gone but am terrified at the thought of Kennedy going on a run till the end of the season & getting the gig on a permanent. Please no
— T (@TommyOrourke98) February 23, 2021
Kennedy to go unbeaten until the end of the season and get offered the permanent gig in the shower
— Chris Bean (@ChrisBean90) February 23, 2021
Kennedy coming in does make sense but surely it will not be permanent
— Joe McColl (@joemccolll) February 23, 2021
Get Lennon out now even if it means Kennedy in charge temporarily. Desmond and Lawwell cannot pull the same stunt they did twice with Lennon though and give Kennedy the gig on a permanent basis. The fans won’t accept that lazy approach again
— Brian Damage (@Briandamge64) February 23, 2021
But Kennedy needs to go as well he’s been through three managers don’t see that as a good thing. God forbid they name him permanent if he does no bad. We need a bigger change.
— Chelle (@chelllemcbride) February 23, 2021
The problem is if Kennedy is awarded the manager job in the showers at the end of the season.
— mikkel derricksson (@DERRYMICK) February 23, 2021
John Kennedy should NOT be allowed to shower after the upcoming matches…just incase
— Steven Mains (@stevie9volt) February 23, 2021
John Kennedy will win a few games and be given the job on a permanent basis in the showers, the cheapest most Celtic thing to do
— Robbie Mcgonigle (@robbiemcg_) February 23, 2021
Obviously there may be a conversation to be had at the end of the season if he wins every game 5-0 and the football is an utter joy to watch, but that does seem incredibly unlikely.