Celtic’s Managerial Hunt: Is the Solution Already in the SPFL?
With a massive summer looming for Celtic, the debate over who should take the permanent reins at Parkhead is heating up. While interim boss Martin O’Neill (73) remains in charge until the end of the season, two former Glasgow rivals have surprisingly aligned on the perfect candidate: Motherwell’s Jens Berthel Askou.
The Case for Jens Berthel Askou
The Danish manager has transformed Motherwell on a shoestring budget, implementing a fearless, attractive style of play that has the Steelmen sitting comfortably in fourth place.
Why he’s the top choice:
- Tactical Innovation: Despite budget constraints, Askou utilizes an aggressive two-striker system that remains effective even when down to ten men.
- Form: Motherwell has suffered only one league defeat since October.
- Endorsements: Both Celtic legend Chris Sutton and former defender Charlie Mulgrew have backed him, with Mulgrew noting that his “forward-thinking” approach could finally bridge the gap for Celtic in European competitions.
The Competition
While Askou is the local favorite, he isn’t the only name in the hat:
- Martin O’Neill: Many feel the interim boss deserves a permanent crack at the job if he finishes the season strongly, though his long-term desire for the role remains unclear.
- Roberto Martinez: The current Portugal head coach has been linked with the post, with rumors suggesting he may step down following the World Cup.
Rival Respect
Even Rangers icon Barry Ferguson admitted his admiration for the Motherwell boss, labeling them the “best team to watch this season by a country mile” and conceding that Askou’s side is a team no one wants to face right now.
”He has put to bed the excuse that you can’t play football without a massive budget.” — Charlie Mulgrew
