GAFFER HUNT IS CRUCIAL
PAUL HARTLEY reckons Celtic need to bring in a heavy-hitter like Eddie Howe to win back the fans this summer.
But the former Hoops hero insists Parkhead chiefs will have to get a director of football in place first to kickstart the overhaul. Celts will be on a rebuilding mission at the end of the season with chief executive Peter Lawwell stepping down and SRU supremo Dominic McKay coming in. They are also set to revamp the structure behind the scenes with a director of football in the pipeline, with ex-Bournemouth man David Webb in the frame along with Man City scout Fergal Harkin and ex-Juventus talent spotter Matteo Tognozzi. But a new boss to replace Neil Lennon is the top priority and Hartley reckons Hoops powerbroker Dermot Desmond might need to pull out the stops again to win over the punters. The Irish billionaire has tempted the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Martin O’Neill to Parkhead and another top-class coach is needed now. Hartley said: “I do think Celtic fans expect a marquee manager now. “To go and ask supporters for season-ticket money without them knowing who the manager is going to be will be difficult. “They have maybe lost the trust in
BIG HOWE FAN Paul Hartley the board and to get them back onside Desmond will have to go and get a marquee manager in.
“That’s not easy. To get that kind of manager, it’s probably someone who is out of a job, just financially.
“Fans have been fed up this season and they expect a big name coming in this summer.
“If they are going to restructure the club and go down the sporting director route, he will have to pick the new manager.
“The sporting director and manager need to have a close bond regarding the new players coming in.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the appointment is made before a manager is coming in.”
Fans are looking at Rafa Benitez, Frank Lampard or Roy Keane but Howe is the standout for Hartley.
The former Parkhead star told the Celtic Huddle Podcast said: “They’re looking for a name to go in there and excite the fans for next season. I can’t see Benitez, he’s used to spending money, where £30million will get you one player in England.
“You can get four of five players for £20m up here, so there would be a big difference to what he’s used to.
“Maybe he’d think it’s his last job and it might appeal to him. Celtic is a massive club and it’s a great job for someone. There will be a clean slate as it’s a rebuilding job.
“I do like listening to Roy Keane. He’s very passionate and honest, he doesn’t suffer fools, but would he be the next Celtic manager? Who knows.
“Football has definitely changed in terms of managers being in players’ faces. It didn’t bother me but maybe the game has changed now.
“He would be box office and it would be tasty if Steven Gerrard is at Rangers. I think if Celtic offered him it now he would take it.
“I think it would interest Lampard. He had a difficult spell at Chelsea and did quite well at Derby. It’s a different expectation at Celtic where you need to win every week.
“The one that sticks out for me is Howe. I look at the style of play at Bournemouth, the way he sets his teams out, along the same lines as Brendan Rodgers.
“The Celtic fans want to be entertained and see a certain style of football. Bournemouth did extremely well in the Premier League for four or five years. He did a terrific job there.”
Hartley reckons Celtic are in safe hands with John Kennedy in the short term and has no doubt that old team-mate Lennon will return to the dugout eventually.
The Cove boss said: “John has been there coaching under Brendan, Neil and Ronny Deila. He knows all the players and is a steady pair of hands. By all accounts he’s a very good coach.
“He can steady the ship and take them to the end of a season, hopefully going on an unbeaten run. All he can do is win every game and give him the opportunity.
“Neil might be feeling a little relieved. You expect criticism as Celtic manager if you are not winning but a lot of it was over the top.
“Losing your job is disappointing but tell me a manager who hasn’t lost their job or been sacked.
“There will be relief but as time goes on you miss it. I’m sure he’ll have and itch to get back in.”
Hopefully John can take them to the end of the season unbeaten PAUL HARTLEY ON INTERIM BOSS KENNEDY