Celtic tipped to appoint “successful” manager who has “won a trophy every season”

By AsiaEurope On Apr 25, 2026

Celtic have been tipped to appoint a ‘successful’ head coach who has ‘won a trophy every season’ by club legend Aiden McGeady.

Celtic’s season has been one of the most turbulent in recent memory, and it is not over yet.

Third in the Scottish Premiership, just three points off top spot with five games remaining, Martin O’Neill‘s side still have a major chance of claiming the title — but it would require a perfect run-in combined with slip-ups from both Hearts and Rangers.

What is certain is that O’Neill will not be the man in the Parkhead dugout come the end of the season.

The 74-year-old took over on an interim basis following Brendan Rodgers’ departure, and then again after Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous tenure, and has done a creditable job steadying the ship mostly all season.

But his contract expires at the end of 25/26, and while he has indicated he would welcome a conversation with major shareholder Dermot Desmond about extending his involvement in some capacity, it won’t be as head coach.

Celtic eyeing summer move for Motherwell star crowned the best in the league

He was named the best in the Premiership.

That leaves Celtic staring at one of the most consequential decisions the club has made in years.

The names in the frame have chopped and changed throughout the spring.

Jens Berthel Askou, who has transformed Motherwell into one of the most attractive sides in the country, has been a favourite for much of the last two months.

Roberto Martinez — currently guiding Portugal ahead of the summer World Cup — has also been linked, with suggestions Celtic would ‘definitely’ pursue him if he becomes available after the tournament.

Craig Bellamy, who has impressed as Wales manager, and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna have also been discussed.

Another very intriguing name is Robbie Keane, who has turned heads with his managerial stints at Ferencvaros in Hungary and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

Aiden McGeady backs Celtic move to appoint Robbie Keane

McGeady, who was speaking on the Go Radio show this week, via Glasgow World, fully backed a move for the Irishman.

The ex-Celtic winger lavished Keane as the ‘strongest’ candidate on Celtic’s reported shortlist, praising him for winning silverware in every season he’s worked as a manager.

“He’s been the name that’s been the strongest and the loudest,” said McGeady.

“But I think, look at what you was being said about the next manager coming in and having that kind of… if it’s going to be Martin O’Neill or that kind of advisor or someone to help. I think that’s quite important, especially the way that Celtic have been this season. I think there’s obviously been a big disconnect between the fans, and the board and the club.

“Robbie Keane seems to be, as I said, the loudest bit.

“Regardless of the Irish connection, if you actually look at his record, he’s won a trophy every season he’s been a manager. He’s managed in two different countries. I think Ferencvaros got to the last 16, Europa League as well last season.

“He’s been very, very successful in a short space of time. You’re looking at candidates based on what they’ve done so far in their CV, I think he is an outstanding candidate.

“He always dreamed of playing for Celtic. He said that about 20 years ago!”

Beyond the trophies he’s won, Keane brings a winning mentality, Celtic DNA, and a proven ability to develop young players on a modest budget at Ferencvaros.

His relationship with Dermot Desmond, who funded Keane’s move to the Hoops during his playing career, will also be a key factor.

At 45, he is hungry, ambitious, and at exactly the right stage of his managerial career to take on a job of this magnitude.