Aiden McGeady Drops Celtic Manager Bombshell With “I Heard” Claim

Aiden McGeady reveals Kieran McKenna Celtic manager rumour

Aiden McGeady has claimed he has heard Kieran McKenna could be in line to take over as Celtic manager next summer.

Martin O’Neill’s position came under fresh scrutiny following Celtic’s 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Parkhead, with the experienced boss admitting afterwards that he would take time to consider whether he remained the right person to lead the club.

More than a week has now passed since those comments, but there has been no indication that O’Neill is preparing to step down.

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has also publicly backed the manager, saying the club would “come together and support Martin and the players” following a difficult spell that saw them suffer three consecutive defeats.

That would suggest O’Neill is expected to remain in charge when Celtic return from the international break.

However, speculation over who could eventually succeed him has continued.

McGeady makes McKenna claim

The subject was raised during an appearance on Open Goal when Andy Halliday asked who Celtic could turn to if O’Neill ultimately decided to leave.

Paul Slane initially mentioned McKenna, saying he had heard a rumour linking the former Ipswich Town boss with the Celtic job.

McGeady then added his own claim.

“I have heard Kieran McKenna is also lined up for next year. I heard that,” the former Celtic winger said.

“People were saying that to me; I was like, ‘Kieran McKenna was on £6million a year at Ipswich.’”

There is, however, no confirmation that Celtic have approached McKenna, agreed terms with him or formally identified him as O’Neill’s successor.

McGeady was simply passing on information he says he has heard.

Why next summer could be significant

The timing of a potential move could nevertheless be important.

McKenna left Ipswich earlier this year after an impressive spell at Portman Road, during which he guided the club through three promotions.

He subsequently opted to take a break from management, but reports have suggested there is a compensation clause attached to his departure.

Ipswich are reportedly due around £8 million if McKenna takes another managerial position within 12 months of leaving the club.

If that clause expires next summer as expected, the financial barrier to appointing the 40-year-old could become considerably smaller.

His reported salary at Ipswich would still be a major consideration, while McKenna’s reputation would likely attract interest from clubs capable of offering significant financial packages.

Celtic succession planning continues

For now, O’Neill remains in the Celtic dugout and has the backing of Nicholson.

The immediate priority will be returning to winning ways after the difficult run that has prompted questions about the manager’s long-term position.

But Celtic will eventually need to consider their next phase, particularly if the club decides to appoint a younger manager capable of developing a long-term project.

McKenna would certainly fit that profile given his record of developing players and his success during his time with Ipswich.

Whether McGeady’s claim proves to have substance or is simply another name emerging from the growing speculation remains unclear.

For the moment, there is nothing concrete to suggest McKenna has been lined up by Celtic, and O’Neill remains the man in charge.