Nicholas “Astonished” By Reports Of Celtic’s Potential Next Manager

Nicholas “Astonished” By Reports Of Celtic’s Potential Next Manager

Former Celtic player Charlie Nicholas doesn’t believe Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez is a realistic choice to be the Hoops’ next manager.

The former Everton and Wigan boss has been installed by some bookmakers as the favourite to take over from Neil Lennon at the end of the season, with ex Scottish international Shaun Maloney also joining as his assistant.

Nicholas feels Martinez is unlikely to leave Belgium to join the Scottish champions:

“There’s been a bit of gossip about Belgium boss Roberto Martinez being in the frame, along with his assistant, Shaun Maloney. I’d be astonished if that was to happen.”

“Celtic fans will say it’s realistic because the Hoops board pushed the boat out for Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers was a big name on big money but he needed Celtic as much as Celtic needed him. I’m not sure Martinez needs Celtic as much as they need him.”

Martinez’s stock is not as high as Nicholas suggests. He left under a cloud at his last job Everton so Premier League teams would be hesitant about hiring him.

The Spaniard’s interest may depend on a number of factors. Some international coaches miss the day-to-day contact with players and Martinez may be tempted by a return to club management.

Saying that, though, the Celtic board would likely have to match the Belgian manager’s ambition, while having to ward off other potential suitors if he were available.

David Tully

David Tully

David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for National World's Football News Network.