Who’ll be the Next Celtic Manager: Latest Odds

It might be just over 24 hours since the position became vacant but the race to fill the Celtic hotseat is beginning to hot up. Gordon Strachan’s departure may not have been that unexpected but there doesn’t appear to be any outstanding candidate for the role which makes the betting market very interesting to watch. Here’s a run down of the runners and riders.

At the moment it looks like the bookies are about to close the book as a rush of money, or some inside info must have forced them to slash the odds on Burnley boss Owen Coyle being named the new boss at Celtic Park. The life-long hoops fan leads the betting at just 1/2 (VCBet, William Hill) despite the fact that he’s just led his side into the Premier League for the first time in 33 years. Will he relinquish the chance to rub shoulders with Sir Alex and Arsene in favour of a return to Glasgow to his bhoyhood heroes?

The other name on everyone’s lips is former Celtic centre-half, Tony Mowbray. The instigator of the famous ‘Huddle’ has a solid reputation of playing football the right way, the Celtic way, but his lack of silverware is a huge concern for some of the Hoops support. Even so, he’s second favourite at 9/4 (Paddy Power) despite the fact that West Brom have moved to rubbish any links with their man.

It looks likely that Motherwell gaffer Mark McGhee will be the new Aberdeen boss, but for the time being he’s third in line for the Celtic gig apparently. McGhee was an instrumental striker in Celtic’s centenary season back in ‘88 and since returning north of the border to boss Motherwell he’s come across as the type of measured, calm and articulate manager who could handle the mantle of top dog at Parkhead but his CV sadly doesn’t match his likeable persona. He’s 7/1 (William Hill) but should Celtic really be competing with the Dons for their new man?

Another SPL manager who’s name continues to crop up is that of Dundee United’s Craig Levein. His star has dimmed somewhat recently though and losing out on a Europa League place this season is hardly the kind of season you want on your CV. Levein is on the drift at 10/1 (VCBet).

Four contenders so far. Not a trophy between them. Surely Celtic will show more ambition than this?

Well, maybe not. Next in line is the experienced Alan Curbishley. One thing he has in his favour is that he’s currently out of work. He did a solid job at Charlton but couldn’t repeat the success at West ham. One Celtic site is reporting that discussion with Curbs have already begun so if you fancy a bit of it grab the 16/1 at Paddy Power now.

The final ‘usual suspect’ is Roy Keane. Keano finished his career at Celtic and despite just recently taking over the helm at Ipswich the bookies still rate him as a 16/1 (Paddy Power, William Hill) shot to return to Celtic Park as boss. I can’t see it myself.

6 CVs and still no meaningful trophy on show.

But then it starts to get interesting. Names such as Gullit (20/1 William Hill), Laudrup – that’s Michael, not former Rangers star Brian – (20/1 VCBet), Koeman (33/1 William Hill) and Zico (33/1 William Hill) would certainly shift a few season tickets but would any of them fancy a stint in the dreary SPL?

Of the old bhoys listed take your pick from Lubo Moravcik (20/1 William Hill), John Collins (25/1 VCBet), Paul Lambert (25/1 Paddy Power, VCBet), current youth team boss Willie McStay (25/1 Paddy Power), the ‘Bear’, Roy Aitken (33/1 VCBet) – whom Sky Sports reported this evening that Celtic have approached his club to speak to – or how about the man at the top of most Celtic fan’s list, David Moyes (33/1 VCBet)?

From the sublime to the ridiculous, how about former ‘Gers boss Paul Le Guen (20/1 VCBet), or a return of the sainted Martin O’Neill (25/1 William Hill)? Or even more ridiculous is the notion that Graeme Souness could boss the hoops at just 28/1 (VCBet)? But spare a thought for poor John Barnes. He endured a brief if infamous spell as Celtic Manager prior to the O’Neill era and his reputation is so low that he’s available at odds of 250/1 (Paddy Power). That’s bad enough but when you consider that the Irish book has Pope Benedict XVI at shorter odds of 200/1 it’s highly unlikely we’ll see the Anfield rapper back in Glasgow.

Who do you think will fill the Parkhead hotseat?

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