Who should be the next manager at Celtic?
This is the biggest question being asked by Celtic fans.
Since Brendan Rodgers resigned as Celtic manager on Monday, several candidates have emerged as the Northern Irishman's long-term successor.
Author | Sean M
Celtic moved quickly to appoint former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss - 20 years after his first stint in charge of the Glasgow club ended.
Sunday's 3-1 defeat at table-toppers Hearts was Celtic's second successive Premiership loss, leaving them eight points adrift in second place, while they have won just two of their last seven matches across all competitions.
O'Neill, 73, has played down suggestions he could take up the job on a full-time basis - insisting he is just "keeping the seat warm".
Several candidates have already started to emerge for the position, including some names that have strong links to Parkhead.
From Super Local Sports News | Live updates from a press conference in Glasgow as Martin O'Neill speaks to the media for the first time since returning to Celtic as interim manager.https://t.co/PDZhhdiB5F
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The leading contenders
Kieran McKenna
Ipswich Town head coach Kieran McKenna has emerged as a potential candidate to help Celtic regain stability.
McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2024, reportedly worth £5 million a season. He is also understood to have a substantial release clause, which Celtic would likely need to meet if they pursue him.
It remains unclear whether McKenna is willing to leave English football for a new challenge in Scotland, although sources suggest he would be open to the move. Ipswich currently sit mid-table in the Championship following last season’s relegation from the Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou
Postecoglou is again available after a brief and troubled spell at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, lasted just 39 days at the City Ground, making him the shortest-serving permanent Premier League manager. He failed to register a win in eight matches at Forest, with two draws and six defeats across all competitions. Despite this, he remains well regarded by the Celtic fanbase.
How Forest announced Postecoglou’s sacking www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/2025/oc...
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He spent two seasons at Celtic between 2021 and 2023, leading the club to a domestic treble in his second campaign. His earning power has increased significantly since leaving Celtic for Tottenham in 2023. Rodgers reportedly earned around £2.5 million during his second spell at Celtic, far less than the £5 million Postecoglou received at Spurs. It is unclear whether wages would affect any potential return to Scotland.
Craig Bellamy
Bellamy began his managerial career in 2024 with the Wales national team and is also thought to be admired at Celtic.
The 46-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005. As Wales manager, he has overseen 14 games, winning six, drawing four and losing four. He is said to be committed to the role.
Wales are third in their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup and are assured of at least a play-off spot, which could make it difficult to lure him away from the national team.
