A backroom overhaul is set to take place at Celtic upon completion of the current campaign and according to Daily Mail, Manchester United legend Roy Keane is one of the prime candidates to succeed Neil Lennon as the Parkhead chief in the coming days. John Kennedy has been handed an interim role with little to play for in this campaign and the arrival of the Irishman should excite the Hoops fans who have witnessed a downfall after decade-long dominance.
The 49-year-old is regarded for his aggression and winning mentality from his playing days. He earned enormous honours with the Red Devils before spending a brief stint with Celtic in 2006. However, his time at Parkhead was short-lived as he could not turn down the managerial offer from Sunderland who were struggling in the Championship.
Keane did wonder at the Stadium of Light and grabbed a promotion defying the odds but was eventually forced to resign a couple of years later after losing the dressing room. His strictness and harsh management style led to a revolt among the players who reportedly celebrated his egress back in December 2008. He then had a failed spell with Ipswich Town and never attained a frontline role ever since.
Keane, known for his punditry at Sky Sports, had his spells as an assistant manager with the Republic Of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest prior to his media career. Although the Glasgow giants are yet to make any final call, the Red Devils icon would cherish the opportunity of reigniting the age-old rivalry with Steven Gerrard.
The iconic Liverpudlian has brought back the glory days at Ibrox and the stunning upsurge (both at home and in Europe) is indeed alarming for the Hoops who have lost the mojo in recent months. They need a strong character to uplift the spirit within the camp and the former Republic of Ireland international fits the bill considering he has experience of the highest order.
Scottish football is known for its aggressive nature as well as attacking traits and Keane, being a boyhood Celtic fan, would aim to script a history that he failed to write as a player 15 years ago. Disciplinary issues and a lack of effort in team training have often been highlighted during Lennon’s regime. All these would get fixed as soon as he arrives at Parkhead and the supporters, thus, have every reason to be elated if the rumours turn out to be true in due course of time.
