Frank Lampard became the third favorite to become Celtic’s next permanent manager just minutes after his Chelsea sacking was confirmed.
The Blues legend was relieved of his duties on Monday after a poor run of results, however, he may not be out of work for long.
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There could be a job opening for Lampard north of the border
Things aren’t going to be planning for Chelsea this season, but it has been a disaster for Celtic as they set out to complete what would be a historic eighteen.
Things are not going well on and off the pitch with manager Neil Lennon under a lot of pressure.
On the pitch, they have failed in the Champions League and the Europa League and find their candidacy to win a tenth straight Scottish Premiership title in tatters as they lag their fierce rivals with Rangers by 23 points.
They can reduce that to 17 if they win their two games in hand, but it remains a tall order to close the gap with Steven Gerrard.
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A lot of things are wrong for Celtic this season on and off the pitch
And they found themselves in a war of words with Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon after deciding to take a hot-weather training trip to Dubai as the UK began the battle against the new variant of the coronavirus.
The trip ended up being a disaster as Christopher Jullien tested positive for COVID, which caused a number of first-team players as well as manager Neil Lennon to miss their first two matches in Scotland – which all ended up being two ended in a draw.
Changes are needed in Parkhead, with former Hoops forward John Hartson saying relieving former teammate Lennon from his post would be the best course of action.
Hartson said: “I’m an expert, but I care how the fans care, I’m a fan and a former Celtic player and it’s just really disappointing how long this season has been. I think a change is needed.
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Lennon took over Celtic for the second time in February 2019
“I send my best wishes to Neil and good luck when he needs it, but losing the league in such a big season like they did was very disappointing.
“Not just me, look [former teammates] Chris Sutton, Stan Petrov, Alan Thompson and Henrik Larsson we all love Neil and want him to succeed and we were all thrilled when he brought the quadruple triple but I really think with the situation in the league a change is necessary. from the bottom up, I really do.
“All of this must be changed and it must happen very soon.
“Maybe the players need a different voice. Neil might want a new challenge, a new start. Sometimes it doesn’t work, Neil is smart enough, he has to see this.
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Hartson insists he and other teammates appreciate what Lennon has done but think it’s time for a change
“It took me all this time to say that I would like to see a change, a new staff, a freshness, something different. Neil did an incredible job. His trophy has been fantastic both as a player and as a manager.
“I just think the club have to say that they are going to change managers, whether there is going at the end of the season or now, it’s hard for me to say but I think it has to be done. The time has come.”
A number of interesting names have been suggested for Celtic work if Hartson’s wish is indeed granted, with Lampard the last name to be linked.
Betfair reveal he is the third seed to receive the Parkhead job, with odds of 7/1.
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Rafael Benitez is currently the favorite to become Celtic’s next permanent manager
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Eddie Howe, who left Bournemouth by mutual consent at the end of last season, was favorites last week
Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was the big favorite to be the Hoops’ next permanent boss last week, however, Rafael Benitez is the most likely candidate – former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle boss having recently quit his post in China.
Just behind Benitez, Howe and Lampard is John Kennedy (8/1), who is Celtic’s current assistant.
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Roy Keane, who was at Celtic for six months as a player, has also been linked
Andre Villas-Boas, who is under pressure in Marseille, is 9/1. Alex Neil is listed at 10/1 and Steve Clarke at 12/1.
Jack Ross (14/1), the former Sunderland boss currently at Hibernian, is also said to be in the running, as are Roy Keane and Mark Hughes.
Gordon Strachan is an 18/1 underdog.
Odds of the next permanent Celtic manager
* Odds according to Betfair
Rafa Benitez – 8/15 Eddie Howe – 4/1 Frank Lampard – 7/1 John Kennedy – 8/1 Andre Villas-Boas – 9/1 Alex Neil – 10/1 Steve Clarke – 12/1 Jack Ross – 14/1 Roy Keane – 14/1 Mark Hughes – 17/1 Gordon Strachan 18/1
* Terms and Conditions: Minimum bet £ 5 on SBK, minimum odds 1.5 (1/2). Rewards valid for 7 days. Free bets must be placed at minimum odds of 1.5 (1/2). Trade free bets limited to certain markets. Payment restrictions apply. General conditions apply 18+ Begambleaware.org
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