Celtic FC Seeks New Manager Following Brendan Rodgers' Resignation
Following Brendan Rodgers' resignation as Celtic manager on Monday, several candidates have emerged as potential successors to the Northern Irishman.
Celtic swiftly appointed former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss, marking a return to the club 20 years after his initial tenure ended.
The team suffered a 3-1 defeat against Hearts, the league leaders, which marked their second consecutive loss in the Premiership, leaving them eight points behind in second place. They have only secured two victories in their last seven matches across all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has downplayed speculation regarding a permanent appointment, stating that he is merely "keeping the seat warm" for a long-term successor.
Several candidates are being considered for the managerial position, many of whom have strong connections to Celtic.
BBC Sport evaluates the options and assesses the feasibility of appointing each candidate.
Kieran McKenna
Kieran McKenna, the head coach of Ipswich Town, has emerged as a compelling candidate to help steer Celtic back to success. However, sources indicate that Celtic may face a significant financial hurdle in acquiring the 39-year-old, who recently signed a four-year contract at Portman Road worth approximately £5 million per season. Furthermore, it is believed that he has a substantial release clause that Celtic would need to meet if they wish to formalize their interest. It remains uncertain whether McKenna is willing to leave English football for a new chapter in Scotland, although insiders suggest he may be open to the move. Ipswich is currently positioned mid-table in the Championship after being relegated from the Premier League last season.
Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou is back on the market following a brief and unsuccessful stint at Nottingham Forest. The Australian manager was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season and lasted just 39 days at the City Ground, becoming the shortest-serving permanent manager in Premier League history. Despite failing to secure a win in any of his eight matches with Forest, he remains highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is available for a return. Postecoglou led Celtic to a domestic treble during his two-year tenure from 2021 to 2023.
Robbie Keane
Former striker Robbie Keane is another viable option, possessing deep ties to Celtic and a thorough understanding of the club. During a loan spell in 2010, Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances and was named Celtic's Player of the Year for the 2009-10 season. After retiring as a player in November 2018, following a brief period as player-manager in the Indian Super League, Keane managed Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2023, leading them to a league and cup double. He subsequently took over at Hungarian club Ferencvaros, where he won the league title in his first season. Reports suggest that Keane is open to the Celtic vacancy.
Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy, who began his managerial career in 2024 with the Wales national team, is also considered a candidate with admirers at Celtic. The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the club during a loan spell in 2005. Under his leadership, Wales has played 14 games, achieving six wins, four draws, and four losses, and he is reportedly committed to his role. Wales is currently third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, making it potentially challenging to lure him away from his national responsibilities.
Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill previously managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005, during which he won seven trophies, including three Premiership titles. His last managerial role was with Nottingham Forest, where he was dismissed after finishing the season in the same position he inherited. On Tuesday, O'Neill emphasized that his current role is temporary, stating, "I can’t emphasize this enough, this is short term, until a permanent manager is appointed." O'Neill's first match in charge will be against sixth-placed Falkirk on Wednesday at 19:45 GMT.