Celtic simply haven’t had the time to focus on their next permanent manager.
Since Martin O’Neill’s first interim spell was halted by the ill-fated experiment of Wilfried Nancy, the short-term has been the club’s firm focus.With a makeshift recruitment team having taken charge of Celtic’s January transfer window, O’Neill has had plenty on his plate.
The club will likely now focus on replacing Paul Tisdale and building a new football structure before hiring a new manager, but that hasn’t stopped rumours from flying around.
One name in the running with the bookies is Roberto Martinez.Celtic-linked Roberto Martinez availability update
O’Neill has indicated that he won’t be staying permanently, citing his age, but you certainly can’t rule it out if he delivers a successful end to the season.
Ange Postecoglou has also been tipped for a Celtic return in the summer.
Online rumours have swirled of Martinez having discussions with Shaun Maloney during his time in Glasgow, with a view to linking up with him in the Parkhead dugout.
Maloney has played and coached under Martinez at Wigan and the Belgian National Team. He is familiar with the country through his Scottish wife, and has been linked with the Celtic job in the past.
Currently the Portugal manager, he is presumed unavailable until the summer at the earliest, with the World Cup taking place this year.
According to ESPN, Portuguese sources do not expect Martinez to renew his contract, with the FA instead expected to offer the job to Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho would then likely be replaced by ex-Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, who had a long affiliation with them as a player, despite going on to manage city rivals Sporting.
Martinez may want to plan his next job prior to the World Cup if he is set to leave, but with Celtic in a position where they need an appointment as soon as possible, some have said that the move is a non-starter.Mark Guidi on Roberto Martinez coming to Celtic
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show last month, journalist Mark Guidi poured cold water on the rumours.
He said: “I would be very surprised if it’s Roberto Martinez that’s the next manager of Celtic.
“His salary, what happens if Portugal go deep into the World Cup? The last thing that Celtic need is a manager starting on the first of August or the 25th of July.“So no, I can’t see that. Martinez was a contender when Tony Mowbray got the job in 2009, but no.
“I get the link with Shaun Maloney, I get all that, I do. But no, I’d be absolutely astounded if Roberto Martinez.”