Overview
- Celtic held constructive talks with Robbie Keane and he met major shareholder Dermot Desmond on Monday, pushing him to the front of the board’s shortlist.
- Martin O’Neill remains under consideration and Desmond is due to speak with him this week to establish whether he wants to continue as manager or take an advisory role.
- Keane has outlined a preferred backroom team that reportedly includes Stephen Glass, Scott Brown and Jonny Hayes, and some outlets have reported he would be willing to sign a multi-year deal.
- A vocal section of the support has publicly opposed Keane’s potential appointment because of his decision to manage in Israel, with the CFLP saying that choice would be divisive for a club with strong pro-Palestine sentiment.
- The board wants clarity before pre-season because the choice will affect transfer strategy, backroom recruitment and Celtic’s preparation for the lucrative Champions League play-off in August.