🔗 Share this article Who are the leading contenders for the Celtic managerial position? In the wake of Brendan Rodgers' departure as Celtic head coach on Monday, multiple potential successors have emerged as potential long-term successors for the Northern Irishman. Celtic moved quickly to name former manager Martin O'Neill as interim boss—two decades after his first stint in charge of the Glasgow club concluded. Sunday's 3-1 defeat at league leaders Hearts was Celtic's back-to-back Premiership defeat, putting them eight points behind in the runner-up spot, while they have secured only two victories of their last seven matches in all competitions. O'Neill, 73, has played down speculation he could assume the job on a permanent basis—insisting he is merely "holding the fort." Multiple potential appointees have reportedly begun to surface for the role, among them some names with strong links to Parkhead. The Ipswich Town Head Coach Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has arisen as an appealing candidate to get Celtic back on a winning footing. However, sources have suggested that Celtic could face a substantial financial cost to snap up the young manager. McKenna signed a new four-year contract at Portman Road in the summer of 2024, said to be worth approximately £5 million pounds per season. Furthermore, it is understood he has a sizable buyout clause that Celtic may be required to meet if they choose to pursue their inquiry. It remains to be seen whether McKenna is willing to depart English football to forge a new chapter in Scotland—though those close to the situation have indicated the manager would be receptive to a move. Ipswich are currently in the middle of the pack in the Championship after last season's drop from the Premier League. McKenna was among the contenders for the Brentford head coach job in the summer after Thomas Frank's exit, but the position was taken internally by Keith Andrews. Ange Postecoglou Ange Postecoglou is back on the market after a brief and disappointing spell at Nottingham Forest. The Australian, who was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of the 2024-25 season, managed only 39 days at the club and became the briefest permanent Premier League manager. Postecoglou failed to win in any of his eight matches in charge of Forest, with two draws and six defeats in all competitions, but he is still highly regarded by the Celtic fanbase and is free. He spent two seasons in charge of Celtic between 2021 and 2023 and led the club to a domestic treble in his second campaign. The Former Celtic Striker Former striker Robbie Keane also qualifies as another candidate with strong links to Celtic and someone who completely understands the club. Keane scored 16 goals in 19 appearances for the Scottish powerhouse during a temporary stay in 2010 and was named Celtic's Best Performer for that season. The Republic of Ireland international retired in November 2018 following a brief period as player-manager at Indian Super League club ATK. In 2023, Keane was appointed manager of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv and led them to a domestic double last year. He took over at Hungarian team Ferencvaros in January and won the championship during his first season. It is understood Keane would be open to the Celtic opening. The Wales National Team Manager Craig Bellamy took his first steps into management in 2024 with the Wales national side and is also understood to have admirers at Celtic. The former striker scored eight goals in 14 matches for the Scottish side during a loan spell in 2005. Bellamy has overseen 14 games with Wales—securing six victories, drawing four, and losing four—and is reportedly committed to the position. Wales are third in their World Cup group for the 2026 World Cup and assured at least a playoff spot, so luring him away from the Welsh team could be challenging. The Interim Manager Martin O'Neill spent five years in charge of Celtic between 2000 and 2005—winning seven trophies, including three Premiership titles. The Northern Irishman's most recent role in the dugout was with Nottingham Forest. He replaced Aitor Karanka in January 2019 with the club in ninth place in the Championship and was sacked at the end of the season with Forest remaining in the same spot. Speaking on Tuesday, O'Neill said, "I must stress, this is short term, until a full-time manager is appointed." O'Neill's initial challenge comes on Wednesday when Celtic host sixth-placed Falkirk at 19:45 GMT.