As the Scottish Premiership title race reaches its boiling point, a massive story is brewing behind the scenes at Parkhead. Celtic have reportedly identified Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna as an “ambitious” candidate to succeed Martin O’Neill, who is set to step down from the helm this summer.
McKenna, 39, has become one of the most coveted young coaches in British football after guiding the Tractor Boys to a historic Premier League return. However, while the Celtic board is keen to bring the Northern Irishman to Glasgow, the task of prising him away from Portman Road is proving to be a significant challenge.
The “Premier League” Roadblock
Despite the allure of Champions League football and the chance to dominate in Scotland, sources suggest McKenna is far from ready to walk away from his project in Suffolk. Former Manchester United assistant Mick Brown noted that McKenna’s deep ties to Ipswich make a move unlikely at this stage.
“He’s been there for years now, had multiple promotions… he will want to get them established in the Premier League,” Brown told Football Insider. “He knows the players, the owner, the transfer policies—will he want to step away from that now?”
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness echoed these sentiments, suggesting that McKenna has already signaled a desire to stay and fight in the English top flight, despite interest from other Premier League sides like Crystal Palace.
The Wider Search: Thomas Frank in the Frame?
Celtic are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a “crucial” appointment. McKenna isn’t the only high-profile name on the list. The board is also reportedly monitoring Thomas Frank.
The former Tottenham boss has been unattached since his departure from North London in February. While his tenure at Spurs ended amidst a difficult relegation battle, his reputation remains high across Europe. Like McKenna, Frank is viewed as an ambitious option that would signal Celtic’s intent to maintain their domestic dominance and improve their European standing.
A Crucial Summer Ahead
For now, the focus at Celtic remains on the pitch. With the club sitting just one point behind league leaders Hearts, Martin O’Neill’s immediate priority is delivering the silverware before his summer exit.
However, with a busy transfer window looming and the need for a new tactical identity, the board knows they must “get it right.” Whether they can convince a rising star like McKenna to snub the Premier League for the East End of Glasgow remains the defining question of the summer.
Celtic Managerial Shortlist: The Key Candidates
- Kieran McKenna (Ipswich Town): The primary “ambitious” target coming off a promotion-winning season.
- Thomas Frank (Unattached): The former Spurs man looking for a redemption project.
- The Criteria: An “ambitious” coach capable of handling a busy summer overhaul.
