---
title: "Celtic: McLeish drops Kennedy claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-mcleish-drops-kennedy-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-04-22T06:10:05Z"
modified: "2021-04-22T06:10:05Z"
---

# Celtic: McLeish drops Kennedy claim

**Alex McLeish believes John Kennedy could still be named Celtic’s new permanent manager.**

Kennedy has been in [interim charge of the Hoops following Neil Lennon’s resignation back in February](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/feb/23/neil-lennon-on-brink-at-celtic-with-john-kennedy-set-to-replace-him).

The Scot, who prefers a [4-4-2 system (Transfermarkt)](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-kennedy/profil/trainer/12714), has been [linked](https://www.givemesport.com/1677018-celtic-exclusive-john-kennedy-still-in-the-running-for-managerial-role) with the permanent role recently.

\[freshpress-poll id=”354338″\]

[Reports](https://www.givemesport.com/1677018-celtic-exclusive-john-kennedy-still-in-the-running-for-managerial-role) suggested he could increase his chances of earning the job on a full-time basis with a win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup, but despite the loss to Steven Gerrard’s side, McLeish still thinks the 37-year-old has a chance.

McLeish 62, was speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/mcleish-kennedy-may-land-celtic-job-after-what-ive-been-told-by-very-close-friend-of-his/) and dropped an inside claim by sharing what a mutual friend has told him.

> “I always believed that the go-to guys for these kinds of decisions is the players.
>
> “John has got a good reputation. A friend of mine up in Glasgow is very pally with him and he thinks that John could definitely step up. John’s got to be believing that as well.
>
> “If the players were really vociferous in terms of saying: ‘John’s been superb…’ They have been very, very supportive of the interim manager.
>
> “I think that Celtic will be looking for more experience in a coach than John has at this moment. Although, he has been in and around the first team for donkey’s years.
>
> “I believe that the Celtic fans will be looking for the announcement of a big name.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”350784″\]

### Transfer Tavern take

In our opinion, Kennedy shouldn’t be handed the managerial role on a permanent basis for exactly the reason McLeish states.

He may well still prove a handy assistant to any new boss that potentially comes in, but with [no senior managerial experience under his belt prior to the interim Hoops role](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/john-kennedy/profil/trainer/12714), it could prove too big of a challenge.

Celtic still have a few months to get a new boss in and settled ahead of the 2021/22 season and a busy transfer window, so they don’t have to rush things just yet.

However, should they remain without a manager when the transfer window opens, we may well see the club panic and hand Kennedy the reins.

***In other news: Roy Keane to Celtic twist emerges following behind-the-scenes development, find out more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-keane-back-in-the-frame/).***