Celtic’s search for a long-term manager is becoming just as critical as their work in the transfer market.
While Martin O’Neill continues to hold talks with the club’s hierarchy over potential signings, there must also be serious planning taking place for life after this season. O’Neill’s return is widely seen as a short-term solution, and his departure feels inevitable. When that moment arrives, the board cannot afford to be caught unprepared.
Questions have already been raised about Celtic’s organisation, with Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph among those to suggest the club lack clarity behind the scenes. That is why suggestions about O’Neill’s eventual successor are already gathering pace.
One name being strongly pushed is Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou. Journalist Peter Martin believes the Dane fits the profile Celtic should be looking for and is surprised the club have not acted sooner.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer, Martin said Celtic face a major decision over their next appointment and pointed to Askou’s impact at Fir Park as evidence he deserves serious consideration. He argued that Askou has shown he can get more out of his players and questioned why Celtic did not move quickly to secure him when the opportunity arose. Martin also noted that any new manager arriving soon would have to work with the existing squad rather than reshape it.
Askou has made a huge impression this season, guiding Motherwell to fourth place while playing an attractive, front-foot style of football. His side even dominated Celtic at Fir Park during Wilfried Nancy’s brief spell in charge, which only strengthened his reputation.
The big question is whether Askou would be the right fit at a club of Celtic’s size. He has plenty of experience in management, but he has never operated under the relentless pressure that comes with leading a club expected to win every week.
Supporters would likely embrace his approach, yet appointing him would still carry risk. After a turbulent season, Celtic’s board cannot afford another misstep, making the decision over their next permanent manager one of the most important calls they will make.