Celtic fans received the news they had been dreading earlier today, with Spurs confirming that Ange Postecoglou was set to be become the next boss of the Premier League club. This was something that had been anticipated for the last number of days, although it is still sure to sting.
The Australian was a hugely popular figure at Parkhead, winning five trophies in two seasons after arriving at the club as a relative unknown.
Whoever succeeds Postecoglou will certainly have big shoes to fill, with six names thought to be in the running to become the next Celtic manager.
The Five Contenders To Be The Next Celtic Manager
Graham Potter
Graham Potter did not work out at Chelsea, although there is no doubting his quality as a manager. The Englishman did a fantastic job at Brighton and would have been in the hunt for some top jobs this summer had he not moved to Stamford Bridge mid-season.
It is difficult to know what his next move will be. He has been linked with a number of jobs in English football, although it seems he felt they were not the right fit.
Football Transfer reported that he is on Celtic's shortlist and it would be a very good appointment by the Scottish champions. It would be a similar one to when Brendan Rodgers arrived, with both men having come up short at top clubs south of the border.
Of course, we all know how that appointment worked out.
Brendan Rodgers
Speaking of Rodgers, it has been suggested that the Northern Irishman could make a return to Glasgow. His first spell at Celtic was a huge success, winning two consecutive domestic trebles and being on track for a third before moving to Leicester City midway through the 2017/18 campaign.
His stock rose quite a bit after returning to the Premier League, being linked with roles at Arsenal and Spurs at various stages. However, he is no longer viewed in that light after the end of his spell at the Kingpower Stadium.
Celtic are said to be interested in a reunion, although Rodgers himself is reported to be less keen. In saying that, we wouldn't rule it out.
Scott Brown
For what Scott Brown lacks in managerial experience, he more than makes up for in familiarity with Celtic. The former Hoops midfielder is only one season into his coaching career, leading Feetwood Town to a 13th place finish in League One.
While that is not the most impressive CV, Brown could come under consideration due to his status as an icon at Parkhead. He spent 14 years as a player at Celtic, acting as the heartbeat of the side and winning countless honours as club captain.
It seems all but certain that he will manage Celtic at some point, although the vacancy might have come too early for him on this occasion.
Kjetil Knutsen
Kjetil Knutsen is not as familiar of a name as some of the other ones on this list, although his coaching CV is among the best of the lot. The 54-year old Norwegian is a three-time Eliteserien coach of the year winner, winning league titles in 2020 and 2021 with Bodo/Glimt.
Ten games into their season, the club are top of the league and favourites to win the title again. He has also led them to some impressive results in European competition.
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf are reporting that Knutsen is being considered by Celtic for their managerial vacancy, with Ajax also interested in bringing him onboard this summer.
Jesse Marsch
Having been sacked by Leeds earlier this season, Jesse Marsch held negotiations with both Southampton and Leicester City but opted not to take either role.
Celtic could be a more attractive proposition, coming into a club that will compete for trophies and play in the Champions League next season.
The American is said to be on the club's shortlist for the position, with Monaco and the American national team also linked.
Enzo Maresca
Another name who may be less familiar to Celtic fans, Enzo Maresca has only a few months of first team managerial experience under his belt. He managed Parma in Serie B for a brief spell back in 2021.
However, it is his work at Manchester City that catches the eye. The Italian was very successful with the club's U23 side, going on to join Pep Guardiola's coaching staff in 2021.
He actually interviewed for the Celtic job back in 2021, with Dermot Desmond said to have been impressed with him at the time. As a result, he is likely to come under consideration once again on this occasion.
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