Former Celtic player turned controversial pundit, Charlie Nicholas has confirmed who he DOESN’T want to see as Celtic manager and it’s someone who he has been advocating for the Celtic job until now.
Over the years, Nicholas has been a proponent of Roy Keane taking over at the club and admits he even wanted the Irishman to become the permanent Celtic manager after Brendan Rodgers left the club unceremoniously.
However, as we sit here now, trying to figure out who is going to be the next Celtic boss, Nicholas makes it clear that ship has sailed and Keane shouldn’t be near the Parkhead hot seat.
Cited by RecordSport, Charlie Nicholas wasn’t keen on Keane or the newly installed candidate in Chris Wilder.
“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.
“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 rumours picked up last weekend but there’s been nothing concrete on that front.
Nicholas is absolutely right when he calls Keane a game to game manager rather than a big picture guy. Celtic need people in the door who are going to look at the bigger picture, who can build for the future and look at the next ten years.
We need forward thinkers and Roy, for all his name value and legendary status within the game, it’s just not worth the risk.
