Interim role is not a job audition for Kennedy

JOHN KENNEDY is adamant that he doesn’t view today’s match with Aberdeen at Parkhead as the start of an eight-game audition to become the next Celtic boss. The 37-year-old moved into the role of interim manager following Neil Lennon’s resignation on Tuesday. A former defender with the club before climbing the coaching ladder, Kennedy is well regarded within Celtic Park and has long been tipped to fill the post in the future. Priced slimmer than other names mentioned for the job — Steve Clarke, Eddie Howe and Roberto Martinez — with some bookmakers, his case will only be strengthened if the team belatedly put together a string of victories. But Kennedy insisted yesterday that his only concern is restoring some pride at the end of a poor season. ‘I’m not interested in anything other than Saturday,’ he said. ‘The club will look at it themselves but it’s not about me, my future or where I see myself. ‘Personally, I have no interest in looking beyond this period of time, in terms of what’s in store for me. ‘It doesn’t matter to me at the moment. The only thing that matters is doing the right thing for the club. I know the players

well. I have a good relationship with them and I just want to guide them through this period with the help of the staff. ‘I want to try to lift the clouds, because things can get on top of you when it’s not going well, and let some sun through.’ Lennon’s decision to leave crystallised after Sunday’s loss to Ross County but followed months of mounting pressure due to sub-standard performances and results. Despite seeing what the Northern Irishman has had to endure of late, Kennedy said he hasn’t been put off the idea of one day being a manager in his own right. ‘Not really. It’s a tough gig at Celtic,’ he added. ‘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. ‘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. It’s been tough and disappointing, none more so than for Neil, and myself assisting him. ‘The club has been successful over a period of time. There have been setbacks this season that have been hard to take. ‘But you have to realise how to fix it and bring it back, rather than go to pieces. We need to stick together and do the right thing for the team.’ Kennedy has drafted in Stephen McManus from his post as Under-18s manager to assist with first-team coaching, while the rest of the backroom staff remains in place. ‘Stephen is a very good coach,’ said Kennedy. ‘It’s not just a case of he’s someone I’ve known for a very long time. I like the way he works with the reserves and he’s a good fit with the first team.’ Meanwhile, Scott Brown says he was never minded to push for a coaching role after Lennon’s exit. The skipper turns 36 in June and has yet to decide if he will play on next season. ‘For me now it is to concentrate on playing,’ said Brown. ‘It is not that long until the end of the season and it would be a bit premature now to say I wanted to dive in or say I wanted to do a coaching role. ‘I spoke to Peter (chief executive Lawwell) about the situation a couple of days ago and he says it is completely up to myself whether I want to stay or go into a coaching role. ‘As it stands now, I am here to support John.’ Meanwhile, David Moyes says he has no intention of leaving West Ham after being asked about links with the Celtic job. The Scot, who has led the Hammers to fourth in the Premier League, has a clause in his contract which is likely to be automatically extended beyond this season. On the potential for a return to Parkhead, where he began his career as a player, Moyes said: ‘I’ve got no intentions of going anywhere. I’ve spoken to David Sullivan (co-owner) and things are quietly ticking along.’

James Forrest is edging towards a return to action for Celtic, although Greg Taylor faces several weeks out after injuring his quad muscle early in the game against Ross County.