I’ve never understood the argument that our defence should be solid because we have John Kennedy as part of the backroom team. In fact, I covered this very point not too long ago in an article explaining that Kennedy never has been the “defence coach” or to put it more accurately, Celtic have never had a defence coach. Ever.
However, to my surprise, (or dismay?) it seems that on The Record Hotline, a suggestion on who should be brought in as the next manager, should Neil Lennon depart the Hoops, will not only solve all Celtic’s defensive worries, but will also offer a man with no managerial experience whatsoever, the job to rebuild and restore not only Celtic’s domestic domination but their standing in Europe, which has taken a severe battering this season.
Celtic fan, Alex emailed his suggestion by saying, “I’m hoping that Celtic can look outside the box if they are to appoint a new manager next season. I’d be hoping to bring in John Terry from Aston Villa.
“He would certainly sort out the calamity defending and he would be itching to make a real impact in his first managerial post.”
This theory can be obliterated with one name that still haunts Celtic fans to this day, Tony Mowbray. Mowbray was a very good defender for Celtic in the 90’s. It was unfortunate timing that brought him to Celtic Park during the Hoops darkest days but he was a no nonsense defender that wasn’t scared of a tackle.
During his tenure as manager, which is described here, Mowbray’s ineffective management not only meant no trophies found their way to Parkhead during his tenure, but a calamitous 4-0 drubbing by St Mirren effectively cost the big Englishman his job. Celtic also suffered European humiliation that season by failing to get past Arsenal in the Champions League (that is by no means the humiliation) but it was the embarrassment of not getting out a Europa League Group which contained Hapoel Tel Aviv, SK Rapid Wien and Hamburg.
Celtic do not need a “project manager”. We need at this time an experienced head with a track record of winning trophies and a European pedigree.
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