Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy is on Hearts’ shortlist to become their next head coach, according to reports in the Scottish media.
The 39-year-old has been in his current role since February 2019 when Neil Lennon started his second stint as Hoops boss. He remained after the Northern Irishman left, taking charge on a temporary basis in 2021 prior to Ange Postecoglou‘s appointment that summer.
Somewhat surprisingly, Kennedy remained as the Australian’s assistant, but it now appears that he could be tempted by the chance of becoming a manager. Fans on Twitter are, however, hoping he remains at Celtic Park:
No chance hes building something special with ange
— aidan (@jotaonthewings) May 23, 2023
He will definitely stay imo
— Jayden 🍀 (@JidCFC) May 23, 2023
He's with us no matter the manager
— Patrick Murphy (@PatrickMurphy89) May 23, 2023
Would hate to lose him. He’s been amazing with Ange. But this would be great for him.
— mike 🍀 (@trumpisamutant) May 23, 2023
Think he’ll get a chance to be our manger after ange
— rossi gaddi (@GaddiRossi) May 23, 2023
Would be weird to see him away from Celtic tbh
— Dawrence Lankland (@splendidmf) May 23, 2023
Naismith will keep that job
— JUNGLE BHOY (@lionsroar67) May 23, 2023
It should be pointed out that Hearts’ current caretaker boss, Steven Naismith, is also in the running to take on the role on a permanent basis.
Reports suggest that the Edinburgh club would have to pay around £100,000 in compensation to release Kennedy from his contract as well, so there are certainly no guarantees at this stage that Postecoglou’s right-hand man will be leaving the Hoops.
