Image Credits: Imago Images
The search for Celtic’s next permanent manager has descended into a complicated and increasingly frustrating affair, with the Glasgow club faced with the uncomfortable reality that many of their preferred candidates appear unwilling to depart their current roles mid-season.
In the aftermath of former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers’ resignation on October 27th, the Scottish giants moved to appoint club icon Martin O’Neill as interim manager.
The 73-year-old returns to Parkhead nearly two decades after his initial tenure concluded in 2005.
O’Neill’s early stewardship has been positive, with Celtic beating fierce rivals Rangers 3-1 in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup this past Sunday.
But the club in the meantime has been sifting through a list that looked promising on paper including Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and even a sensational return of Ange Postecoglou.
However, the former Spurs manager has reportedly opted to take a sabbatical from football management altogether after his short-lived stint at Nottingham Forest.
Of the leading contenders, former Liverpool star Craig Bellamy – who enjoyed a brief but well-received loan spell at Celtic in 2005 – has emerged as a name generating genuine discussion.
The 46-year-old has proven himself as Wales manager since assuming the position in July 2024, with the nation in a good spot to qualify for the World Cup next year.
The ex-Welsh striker had two separate spells at Anfield, first arriving in 2006 from Blackburn Rovers and then again in 2012 on a free from Manchester City.
It was always going to be difficult to pry away a manager leading his country to a World Cup, and that’s exactly been the case.
Speaking at a press conference after announcing the November Wales squad, Bellamy ruled out a move to the Scottish giants to the media including Sky Sports:
“I can understand the links because I played there and I’m coaching. To me, I love what I’m doing at this present moment,” he said.
“I’m complexly focused on what’s to come, it’s going to be a play-off matches… that’s all I’m focused on.”
“It’s a little but cliche but it’s the honest truth. I couldn’t want for anything more than I have at this present moment, anything else is just not on my radar and it won’t be on my radar.”
“I’m a real proud Welshman. I don’t believe anyone is prouder of being Welsh than me, and I think we all feel the same.”
When quizzed on whether he could consider a move to Celtic down the line when he is further along in his managerial career, Bellamy responded:
“I have a number of years to run, I did sign a four-year contract. As long as I’m wanted, and people feel in Wales that I can add [something], that motivates me to stay.”
“I try to live day-by-day, and in that I try to appreciate what I have. This period has been one of the best moments of my life and hopefully that continues for a lot longer as well.”
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