Celtic’s Bold Move For The Championship’s Finest Mind As New Manager: Would He Actually Swap Portman Road For Parkhead?
· Yahoo Sports
Celtic are firmly in the market for a permanent manager ahead of the 2026/27 season, and Kieran McKenna is right at the top of their list. The 39-year-old Northern Irishman has just guided Ipswich Town back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, completing an impressive turnaround after last season’s relegation.
Celtic eye their most ambitious managerial target yet
According to Football Insider, former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown reckons Celtic could tempt McKenna if they put a serious financial package on the table. Brown told the outlet that Celtic have enough pull to at least start a conversation, suggesting the club could win McKenna over by offering proper transfer backing and a clear plan for Europe, something Brendan Rodgers felt was lacking before he left Parkhead earlier this season.
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Brown made a point of distinguishing between the two Glasgow giants, saying he saw no chance of McKenna going to Rangers, while Celtic represented a much more attractive project. With interim boss Martin O’Neill expected to step down at the end of the campaign, the search for a successor has become urgent.
“I don’t think it’s impossible, because Celtic are an attractive club. It’s not just about going up to Scotland; if you asked me whether Rangers could get him, I would say no chance, but I think Celtic could convince him. If they went to him and said, ” Look, here’s your budget, we’re going to spend big and sign new players to strengthen and really be ambitious, then maybe.
They could dominate Scotland with McKenna in charge and the right investment, of course, it’s just about whether the club are prepared to do it. Bringing in some top players alongside a top manager, with the ambition of going and competing in Europe as well, that could be tempting.
It just depends on whether Celtic are prepared to be ambitious and offer that kind of thing to McKenna or any manager, or if they’re happy with where they are. You get the feeling that is the case, it’s why Brendan [Rodgers] left, so let’s see if that’s changed their minds at all.”
McKenna’s record at Ipswich, 106 wins in 222 games, proves he knows how to build a team from scratch. That said, any hope of a move to Glasgow seems out of reach now that Ipswich are back in the big time, with McKenna looking settled at Portman Road.
Would Celtic actually commit the finances McKenna demands to make this work?
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Kieran McKenna, Manager of Ipswich Town, inspects the pitch prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Ipswich Town at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
The real question here goes beyond whether McKenna is interested. It is about whether the Celtic board is actually ready to spend big on a manager, as their track record suggests a certain level of hesitation behind the scenes. Rodgers walked away for this exact reason. McKenna is known for setting up disciplined, compact defences and hitting teams fast on the break, tactics that completely changed Ipswich’s fortunes.
However, his struggle came during their previous Premier League stint, where his recruitment was questioned, and results dipped. Celtic need a manager who can make the most of a healthy budget, and McKenna is the right man for it. But without real ambition from the directors, hiring him wouldn’t change the underlying issues. The fact that Robbie Keane is currently the bookies’ favourite at 15/8 says a lot about where fans’ expectations are right now. Celtic have to decide if they want to push forward or settle for the status quo.
Celtic face a narrowing window before McKenna becomes untouchable
McKenna has just steered Ipswich back to the top flight, and he isn’t likely to leave unless a massive Premier League club come calling. Celtic’s chance to grab him, if there ever was one, has pretty much passed for this window. The Hoops need to make a move fast on other targets before those doors start closing, too.