Wilder’s odds tumble on becoming new Celtic boss

THE odds were last night slashed on Chris Wilder becoming the next Celtic manager following news of his imminent departure from Sheffield United.

Wilder is expected to leave Bramall Lane with the Blades rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. And this has seen a surge of bets predicting his appointment as permanent successor to Neil Lennon.

Celtic are currently talking to candidates in the UK and abroad, with Eddie Howe, Roy Keane, Enzo Maresca and Scotland boss Steve Clarke all heavily quoted.

Wilder took Sheffield United from League One to the Premier League during a five-year spell in charge, coming close to securing European football last season.

Former Tottenham and Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone believes the 53-year-old Englishman would be ‘perfect’ for the Celtic post, saying: ‘He could try to do something similar to what Brendan Rodgers has done — go up there, re-establish yourself in a new environment, a winning environment.’

Meanwhile, Celtic face a fight to keep Scott Brown after the skipper emerged as a shock contender for a coaching role at Aberdeen.

Atlanta United 2 coach Stephen Glass looks set to become the next Dons manager following Derek McInnes’ departure this week. And the former Hibs and Aberdeen midfielder has already asked close pal Brown if he would join him as player coach.

Out of contract at Celtic this summer after 14 years in Glasgow, Brown is giving the prospect serious consideration.

Former Celtic boss Lennon could still throw his hat into the ring for the Aberdeen managerial post, despite emerging as one of the favourites to become Wilder’s replacement at Sheffield United.

Ex-Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson and Manchester City coach Maresca have also been quoted for the Dons job.