Next Celtic manager update: Benitez ruled out, Roy Keane the overwhelming favourite as notable names drift

In a way it has been fun to see various names being linked with the Celtic job in recent weeks, but it’s also going to be cruel if the actual appointment is underwhelming in comparison.

Rafa Benitez was often spoken about as an option and he seemed like a dream target who may be unattainable, and that’s pretty much been confirmed as the was reportedly ruled out of the running.

It’s pretty difficult to find many fans who actually think Roy Keane will be a successful long-term manager at Celtic, but his connection to the club and friends in the media mean he’s now the overwhelming favourite.

Matters haven’t been helped by Micah Richards taking to Twitter earlier today to drop a hint that something was close to happening, but it could just be Richards having some fun and whipping up a frenzy for the fun of it.

Nicky Butt left his position at Man United in the past few days so there may be a possibility that he and Keane could team up at Old Trafford, but they are completely unproven for differing reasons.

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Keane hasn’t done anything meaningful in management for years and his most recent stints have also ended in disaster, while Butt looked after the youth team at Old Trafford so there’s no telling how good he could be.

The betting lists don’t really have anyone else at a credible price just now, so it really looks like they do expect Keane to get the job.

John Kennedy is still second favourite but that’s likely because he’ll be the “winner” in the next manager market on the technicality of taking charge of ten games, while Enzo Maresca is the only other boss with a price of less than 10/1 at the time of writing.

Other names like Chris Wilder, Frank Lampard, Steve Clark and Sean Dyche have drifted miles away, so it doesn’t look like they are going to happen yet.

Obviously there is still time for a new name to appear or for everything to change, but it’s a worrying situation if you trust the bookies to get it right just now.