Misleading process of appointing a manager

A few categories of candidates for the manager position were identified before the end of the season.

There are a couple who would be considered ideal appointments, and who would be able to get on the list for top jobs in any country in Europe. If we can land one of them, and do so within the timeframe which will allow us to prepare for Champions League qualifiers, I think we’d all be happy (apart from those incapable of happiness, you know who they are).

Then there are managers with clear potential who have overachieved with resources available to them, but who also have a bit of European competition experience. You might know less about them, but their CVs can talk.  This list is more extensive.

It’s also worth remembering how Celtic (and others) operate in certain respects when appointing a manager. Clubs often interview potential managers who don’t fit their required profile out of courtesy.

If a candidate of a certain profile in the game (or at the club) asks to be considered, it’s likely Celtic would interview him instead of rejecting him out of hand. Football is a tight, interconnected, industry, where making contacts is preferable to breaking them, so don’t be distracted by newspaper stories that someone or other has been interviewed.  The story is likely to be accurate, but the context will mislead.

The process itself also changes how candidates are viewed. What the potential manager says about strategy, recruitment, technology are all likely to inform the club no his suitability.

Brendan Rodgers fits the bill before formal interviewing got underway, but he’s certainly not the only high-profile candidate under consideration, and I know others are making solid running.

The important thing to bear in mind right now, is that the moment a deal is done it will be announced, and that until that moment, don’t waste your time thinking you know what’s going to happen. There are too many variables to be certain of anything.

Click Here for Comments >