QUESTION TIME
Celtic hold talks with Mackay over Parkhead vacancy
CELTIC have interviewed Malky Mackay for the soon-to-be vacant Parkhead manager’s post as Ronny Deila’s tenure at the club continues to fizzle out after last night’s 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone.
On a night when Leigh Griffiths chalked up his 40th goal of the campaign, speculation continues to mount over who will be in the dugout next season.
Major shareholder Dermot Desmond has begun the process of meeting prospective candidates, with former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and first-pick David Moyes also holding or due to hold talks this week.
Mackay has been out of work since leaving Wigan last year. The 44-year-old former Parkhead defender would, however, come with baggage after becoming embroiled in a text-message scandal relating to his time at Cardiff City.
He has spoken publicly of leading Celtic to 10-in-a-row and said recently: ‘I think the next five-year period at Celtic is crucial. A record 10 titles in a row is achievable and a strong focus should be there.
‘But, for that to happen, I think there is a detailed and strategic plan needed going forward. I think I could help with that and bring a fresh approach.’
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has also been linked with the post, but will not make a decision on his future until
after Euro 2016 is over. ‘I think part of it (being linked with the Celtic job) comes down to the fact I live in Scotland,’ he told Sky Sports News. ‘There are a number of names that have been linked with that job and it is a fantastic job. ‘I felt that the right thing to do for me was to commit to Northern Ireland leading into the finals and I don’t want to do anything to take that special relationship away. ‘I don’t think it would have been possible for me to have that something in the back of my mind and be focused on making sure we do well. ‘It’s been 30 years since we’ve been there and I want it to be a positive experience for me, for the country, for everyone.
‘If we perform well, it will enhance my reputation and then we’ll see what happens after that.’ Rodgers (left) remains in the running for the Celtic job after a return to Swansea was ruled out when the Welsh club secured Francesco Guidolin on a new two-year contract. Sportsmail yesterday revealed that Guidolin’s late-season revival swayed the decision back in the Italian’s favour after he took 24 points from 15 games and saved the club from relegation. Rodgers was keen to return to the club he led to the Premier League in 2011 but officials at Swansea were disappointed he rejected the post when he was approached following Garry Monk’s sacking in December. Rodgers’ preference at the time was to sit out the remainder of the season having been sacked by Liverpool, but he had anticipated further discussions this summer. Indeed, as recently as this week, club sources believed he would be coming back, despite disputed claims that he priced himself out of a deal.