Lenny shower moment is waiting for JK
Gordon Strachan believes John Kennedy can follow Neil Lennon and be handed the Celtic manager’s job in the Hampden showers.
Axed Hoops chief Lenny was famously told he was replacing Brendan Rodgers on a permanent basis as he celebrated a Scottish Cup Final win over Hearts in 2019.
It was the culmination of a successful spell in caretaker charge and now former Hoops boss Strachan reckons interim boss Kennedy can follow suit.
The likes of Eddie Howe are being linked with the job but Strachan believes that if the Hoops’ key targets are not available then Kennedy is in the perfect position to make his case.
Kennedy has worked closely with the last three Celtic bosses – Ronny Deila, Rodgers and Lennon – and is keen to be the main man.
Strachan believes that if he can lead the Parkhead side to victory over champions Rangers in the Scottish Cup last 16 at Ibrox today, then go on to lift the trophy next month, he could get his wish.
Former Scotland boss Strachan said: “John, there is no doubt about it, would like the job.
“Anybody who I’ve spoken to about the Celtic job has said it’s a job you must try if you are offered it.
“The longer the season goes on without any managerial clarity it might be stronger for John.
“You have to remember Neil Lennon was appointed in the shower after a Scottish Cup Final. So I think John will be
hoping for his shower in the cup final and will be keeping one eye on the door.”
Working closely with the three men who followed Strachan into the Celtic manager’s office after he left in 2009, also gives Kennedy an advantage.
Strachan bel ieves that could be a key factor in a f inal cal l f rom major s h a r e h o l d e r D e rmo t Desmond and new chief executive Dominic McKay.
He told Football Pass UK: “Nobody really knows about this job until you go into it.
“There are so many criteria that are needed for an Old Firm manager but what it has to come down to is if you can deal with the fight.
“When you are dealing with Celtic and Rangers sometimes it ’s a bare knuckle fight.
“Whatever you’ve learnt coaching at other clubs doesn’t prepare you for what is going to hit you.
“You have to be mentally strong. It’s a bare knuckle fight. It’s every day for Celtic and Rangers.”