Deila to quit as Celtic boss at end of season
Former Man-U manager Moyes and Old Trafford legend Keane among those tipped to take over
Ronny Deila will step down as manager of Scottish giants Celtic at the end of the season, the Norwegian announced yesterday.
Celtic are currently eight points clear of Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership and on course for a fifth successive title, but Deila’s position has been under scrutiny for some time.
Celtic have made little progress in Europe under the 40-year-old and were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Old Firm rivals Rangers following a semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat on Sunday.
“It is vital that the club comes first, instead of me being the focus,” Deila said in a statement on the Celtic website.
“Hopefully now the team and the club can be the focus as we enter this final important period of the season.
“It was an absolute privilege to be named manager of Celtic, such a wonderful football club, and I have enjoyed my time here immensely.”
Deila, who was on a one-year rolling contract, was appointed as manager in 2014 following success in his homeland with Stromsgodet.
He led Celtic to a league and League Cup double in his first campaign, but has twice failed to steer the club through the Champions League qualifying play-offs.
At a loss in Europe
Celtic reached the Europa League last 32 in 2014-15, losing to Inter Milan, but finished bottom of their Europa League group this season. They were also eliminated from the League Cup in the semi-final by Ross County.
“There have been some disappointments and times when we have not achieved what we had hoped for, and I’m realistic and honest enough to admit that,” Deila added.
“But I know that the players, myself and my back-room team have always given everything we had to bring success to our supporters.”
Celtic chairman Ian Bankier said: “I would like to thank Ronny for his contribution to the club and, on behalf of the Celtic board, give him our best wishes for the future in everything he does.”
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who left the club in 2014, ex-Everton and Manchester United manager David Moyes, who previously played for Celtic and is the early favourite for the job, and former Old Trafford hero Roy Keane, who ended his playing career at Parkhead, are among the contenders touted to succeed Deila.