Hoops caretaker insists ‘flak’ isn’t putting him off Paradise top job

JOHN KENNEDY insists seeing several Celtic managers suffering severe flak hasn’t put him off his dream of being a gaffer.

The Hoops interim boss remains adamant he is not thinking about his long term position at Parkhead but has not hid his desire to be the main man in the dugout.

But Kennedy has had a ringside view as a succession of gaffers have been on the end of stinging criticism after being part of backroom staff for Ronny Deila,

(inset) Brendan

Rodgers and Neil

Lennon.

Norwegian Deila got heat despite winning the league, Rodgers suffered a huge backlash after he walked out for Leicester and Lennon had been the target of protests before he eventually quite earlier this week.

Ahead of today’s clash with Aberdeen, Kennedy insisted he can handle stepping up to the hotseat – and he isn’t scared of the pressure the position brings as he has also been criticised by sections of the support.

He said: “Does it put me off? Not really. It’s a tough gig at Celtic. There are very high standards and high demands. At times some of the criticism can be harsh.

“I’m not just talking about this season. Everyone sees things differently and has an opinion, which is fine.

“It’s par for the course in the job. The closer you get to the first team the more visible you are. Every performance and result can be scrutinised.

“But we need to trust in what we belief in. If you listen to too many voices and opinions you can start to doubt things.

“I’ve always approached it with the view I love challenges. “This has been the most challenging season I’ve had in my coaching career.

Kennedy is refusing to bite on talk about taking charge permanently – or his place at the club after the inevitable summer rebuild.

He said: “I want to restore pride and get some spirit around the club, but beyond that I haven’t given any thought to myself.

“Is is an audition? Honestly don’t see it like that. I even spoke to the players in that respect.

“This is not a time about me, in terms of what are my ambitions and what might come out of this for me?

“I have been given the responsibility as interim manager but even this week, I haven’t sat down and looked at myself as being that.”