Celtic are assessing candidates for the next permanent manager, with Robbie Keane reported to be in talks and former Hibs players such as Scott Brown and Jonny Hayes linked to a potential coaching setup.
The search for Celtic’s next permanent manager has taken an intriguing turn as names with past links to Hibernian and the club itself are being discussed. After a season marked by upheaval on and off the field, Parkhead’s decision-makers are balancing short-term stability with the desire to appoint a long-term leader.
Reports indicate that former Celtic striker Robbie Keane is engaged in talks with a leading club shareholder about the managerial vacancy. At the same time, 74-year-old Martin O’Neill — who returned midseason to steady the ship — remains a respected figure and could continue in some capacity while the club evaluates options.
The discussion around Keane’s possible appointment includes a potential backroom team featuring former Hibs personalities.
Why Keane is on the radar
Keane’s managerial résumé includes spells outside the UK, notably at Ferencváros in Hungary and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel, where he experienced top-level club management.
Observers point to his recent success and his status as a former Celtic forward as reasons he is being seriously considered. If appointed, Keane would represent a modern, progressive option who also understands the club’s culture from his playing days.
Potential coaching structure
Linked to Keane’s name are several assistants with local knowledge. The suggestion is that he would want trusted lieutenants who know Scottish football: notably ex-Celtic captain Scott Brown, who began his senior career at Easter Road with Hibernian before becoming a Celtic icon. Brown has coaching experience at Fleetwood Town and managed Ayr United, and his inclusion would bring leadership and a direct connection to the dressing room.
Other figures under consideration
Alongside Brown, Jonny Hayes — a former winger for both Celtic and Aberdeen and currently involved in club development — has been mentioned as a likely candidate for a backroom role. The appeal of Hayes and Brown lies in their combined experience inside Scottish football and their familiarity with the expectations at a club of Celtic’s stature.
The O’Neill factor and continuity
Martin O’Neill’s midseason return provided immediate calm and trophies, helping secure both the Premiership and the Scottish Cup during a turbulent campaign. O’Neill’s influence is still felt within the club structure; he has a voice in recruitment decisions and in the assessment of potential successors. Two assistants he relied upon last season, Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, remain on the radar for continued involvement in the football department.
What continuity could look like
Maintaining elements of the current staff would offer short-term continuity while a new permanent manager settles in. The club’s hierarchy respects the experience of last season’s staff, and there is speculation that roles such as head of football could be adapted to include familiar faces. This would allow a smooth handover and preserve institutional knowledge around scouting, player contracts, and transfer priorities.
Squad rebuild and scouting priorities
Whomever takes the job will face the immediate task of preparing for a squad transition. As O’Neill noted in recent comments about the rebuild, the scouting network has been active and will present lists of targets to any incoming manager. The club’s approach is to have recommendations ready so a new appointee can quickly review potential additions and departures. This process is intended to shorten the adjustment period and give the next manager a clearer platform from which to operate.
Operational implications
The incoming manager must assess the scouting reports and decide how they align with tactical plans and budgetary constraints. The club will expect rapid decisions in the transfer window to maintain competitiveness. Incorporating internal coaching continuity may help the new boss make informed choices about which players to prioritize.
What to watch next
Key developments to monitor are the outcome of high-level meetings between potential candidates and major stakeholders, and any announcements that clarify whether O’Neill will remain in a senior advisory role. Fans will also follow news about the composition of the coaching staff, particularly any confirmation that figures like Scott Brown or Jonny Hayes will join the first-team setup. Those appointments would signal the club’s preference for a blend of new leadership and internal familiarity.
In summary, Celtic’s managerial decision appears to be a careful balancing act: selecting a leader capable of moving the club forward while retaining elements that have proven effective. The possible involvement of former Hibs-associated staff adds an intriguing dynamic to the process and highlights how interconnected Scottish football’s coaching community can be.
