St Mirren have reached out to a former Celtic manager as the Buddies look to swiftly name a successor to Stephen Robinson.
Celtic locked in thrilling title chase
The Scottish Premiership title race has intensified into a captivating battle across the country. Hearts currently lead with 63 points, Celtic trail closely on 61, while fierce rivals Rangers sit just behind on 60.
Crucially, the momentum is with Celtic.
Martin O’Neill has orchestrated an impressive run during his second interim stint — to the extent that, based solely on results under his leadership, the Hoops would comfortably be leading the table.
Both Hearts and Rangers are still due to travel to Celtic Park before the campaign concludes.
O’Neill is well-versed in title run-ins, having steered Celtic through three during his legendary initial spell beginning in 2000. The 74-year-old’s experience, command in the dressing room, and knack for delivering results at decisive moments make him perfectly suited for the final eight weeks.
However, he will step down at the end of the season, and Celtic’s board are aware that their permanent appointment this summer could shape the club’s future.
Robbie Keane is still considered the leading candidate, with reports suggesting Celtic officials believe the Ferencvaros manager would be willing to return to Glasgow.
Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has also been frequently mentioned and is thought to be eager about the Parkhead opportunity after an outstanding debut season in the Premiership.
Craig Bellamy remains an outside option for later consideration, although his commitments with Wales make a short-term move improbable.
What has become evident in the search is that Celtic are targeting a manager with ambition, a defined playing philosophy, and preferably some knowledge of Scottish football.
One name that is not expected to feature in those discussions anytime soon is Neil Lennon.
St Mirren begin discussions with former Celtic boss Neil Lennon
According to Sports Boom, St Mirren have made contact with Lennon regarding their managerial vacancy after Stephen Robinson’s surprise switch to Aberdeen.
The Buddies are eager to have a new manager appointed before Robinson returns to Paisley 2021 Stadium with his new side next weekend, with caretaker Craig McLeish currently in charge.
Lennon, who has managed Celtic across two spells and also coached Bolton Wanderers and Hibernian, is presently enjoying a strong period with Dunfermline Athletic in the Championship.
He rescued the club from relegation to League One last season, has taken them to fourth place this term, and recently described their 3-0 Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Premiership side Aberdeen as one of the standout achievements of his managerial career.
As a result, he is reportedly not in a hurry to depart.
Lennon’s association with Celtic stretches back more than two decades.
He joined as a player from Leicester City in 2000, making over 200 midfield appearances and securing five league titles — three under O’Neill and two under Gordon Strachan — before retiring in 2007.
He returned as caretaker manager in 2010 after Tony Mowbray’s exit, was given the job permanently that summer, and went on to claim three successive Premiership titles and two Scottish Cups before leaving in 2014.
Following spells with Bolton and Hibernian, he made a comeback to Parkhead in February 2019 after Brendan Rodgers’ unexpected move to Leicester.
He completed the treble-treble and then the quadruple treble, adding two more league titles, before stepping down in February 2021 with Celtic 18 points behind Rangers in the race for ten-in-a-row.