02 Jun 2014 23:26:43
It now looks likely that Keane pulled out the running for the Celtic managers job to take the Aston Villa asst managers job.

1.) 03 Jun 2014
Typically it's all getting completely farcical now. All the people on the board know nothing about the intricacies of the game, they think they do, Peter Lawwell is acting like a director of football these days, not a director. We all knew it was a matter of time before Lennon left, God, every single chance he got he was foaming at the mouth about the English Premiership, he was getting close to Owen Coyle for being an ideal PR man for the game down south. So much so supposedly Coyle was even spoke to about a year ago about potentially joining if Lennon left, I think he even had a clause in the Wigan contract. But anyone who knows the game, like really knows the game, knows he was never the answer, so why did we not have someone else in the thinking. As soon as Lennon left, Lawwell should have been trying to speak to people in the game like Brendan Rodgers/Martinez/Mourinho - asking for advice, they are only down in England. Rodgers is a big Celtic man, Martinez has connections in Scotland, Mourinho knows all about Celtic, and is always very complimentary, he also recommended Pochettino to Southampton, so I'm sure they would have been obliging. And I don't mean asking them to recommend their pals like Fergie used to do(McLeish) but get a real insight about up and coming coaches, minds, in the game. As it stands Clarke is the best option, as I've said previously, he knows the game inside out, and deserves a proper chance at a big club. I would let him revolutionize the club from top to bottom, because he would improve things. West Brom are a joke, they gave that Pepe Mel a few months and were trying to control everything he did, they even gave him an assistant, didn't let him bring in any Spanish coaches etc, So Stevie Clarke overachieved there. Bring him in and trust him, he has great experience now, at big clubs, and with very experienced managers.

2.) 03 Jun 2014
Fair comments Paul.

I do have a bit hope that there's a great manager to be had in Clarke. Certainly worked with some, in some big games against top sides.

Just wasn't one of my first choices that's all. Almost goes without saying I'll give my support to anyone until I have reason to otherwise.

Nevermind who comes in though, I still feel our biggest concern is the way the board operate with transfers. This is more than a transitional period right now and the new guy needs to be backed as much as he can.

I mean, on a wee sidenote, and perhaps it's because we don't have a manager, but a player I've been saying we should sign this window, Mame Diouf, is about to join Stoke on a free. That's really p!ssing me off.

3.) 03 Jun 2014
You make some interesting points Paul. Totally agree that Clarke is the best option (thought him along with Laudrup were the most attractive options from the start). He is a young manager that did well at West Brom and has a wealth of coaching experience at some of the biggest clubs in Europe. I understand peoples frustrations with the board at times but to suggest they know nothing of the intricacies of football is going too far IMO. Lawell gets a rough ride from a large section of our support and although can sometimes be criticised for not expanding the budget for the right player he is a major asset to our club. He has overseen a hugely successful period in our history and has ran he club amazingly. I would like to see a DoF put in place and just let him get on with running the club personally

4.) 03 Jun 2014
Sometimes I/the support are a bit hard on Lawwell, but it's because we love the club too much, we are super harsh. I do think he's a bit of an egomaniac though, just my opinion. I would quite like a Director of Football also, and just let Clarke coach, the secret though is getting someone who has an understanding/good relationship with the coach - too often they hate each other/don't know or respect each other. It has to be someone who is prepared to listen to the coach, and vice versa, what is the point in a director of football constantly bringing in players that the coach doesn't want/rate. So it has to be thought through. Ideally Clarke would choose someone, as I've said he knows more about the game than Lawwell/Desmond/Riley etc etc put together. As for Keane, he has went right down in my estimation - he used to always say he hated players who were dictated to by their wife, he said they weren't proper men for eg if they wouldn't move house for a new club, but here we are with him saying he isn't wanting to be considered for the Celtic job, but might be moving to Villa, which as far as I know is a half hour drive from the family home. I think the Celtic job seems like too much hard work for him. He couldn't get back to England quick enough when we signed him, even although he kept casting up that when Fergie let him go he had at least 2 good years in him. 2 years for Man Utd/6 months for Celtic. My old Granny, God rest her, would have called him a bit of a fly man. Cheers