CELTIC ARE LOOKING for a new manager for next season’s campaign with Ronny Deila set to leave Parkhead, the club have announced.
The Hoops lost to arch-rivals Rangers in a Scottish Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out at the weekend, prompting more speculation about the Norwegian’s future in Scotland.
The Glasgow club hold an eight-point lead over Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but this morning it has been confirmed that Deila will depart at the end of this season, with the manager making the decision himself according to the statement.
“It is vital that the club comes first,” said Deila. “And instead of me being the focus, hopefully now the team and the club can be the focus as we enter this final important period of the season.
“It was an absolute privilege to be named manager of Celtic, such a wonderful football club, and I have enjoyed my time here immensely.
“I will never forget the welcome I received almost two years ago at Celtic Park from so many fans. When I joined Celtic I knew I was coming to one of the world’s great football clubs.
“There have been some great times and I am delighted that we have brought some trophies to the Club.
I was delighted in my first year to bring our fans a League and Cup double and enjoy some European nights at Celtic Park, and I am pleased this season to be well in contention to win another Premiership title.
“There have been some disappointments and times when we have not achieved what we had hoped for and I’m realistic and honest enough to admit that, but I know that the players, myself and my backroom team have always given everything we had to bring success to our supporters.”
David Moyes and Neil Lennon are the early favourites to take the job, while there is bound to be more speculation around Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane, who has turned down the chance to manage his former club in the past.
