Football
Exclusive: Celtic Make Kjetil Knutsen Their No.1 Target to Replace Brendan Rodgers
Celtic have identified Norwegian Kjetil Knutsen as their top choice to replace Brendan Rodgers as the new manager. Ange Postecoglou and Martin O'Neill were also considered, but Knutsen's success and potential make him the preferred candidate. Other names like Wilfried Nancy and Kieran McKenna have also been linked to the job.
Tottenham Hotspur v FK Bodo/Glimt - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg by Jean Catuffe | Getty Images
Celtic have identified Norwegian Kjetil Knutsen as their number one target to replace Brendon Rodgers as their new manager, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
Our sources understand the Hoops have been contemplating bringing Australian Ange Postecoglou back to Celtic Park for a second spell after his incredible success with the club.
But Postecoglou, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge, has publicly distanced himself from the role and privately told his closest confidents that he wants to manage in the Premier League.
That has thrust Knutsen to the top of the pecking order as the Hoops look to find Rodgers’ replacement as quick as possible.
Former treble-winning boss Martin O’Neill has been doing an admirable job manning the ship since Rodgers’ shock departure.
But although the Northern Irishman has done well since his arrival, the defending Scottish Premiership champions want a younger manager, respectively, to lead the club forward, especially in Europe.
And Knutsen fits the bill having already shown Celtic a taste of their own medicine when he orchestrated a famous 5-1 demolition of the Hoops in a two-legged Champions League clash between the two sides three years ago.
Ironically it was Postecoglou who was in charge of Celtic as they were beaten 2-0 away from home and humbled 3-1 away as the Hoops focused on league glory that season.
MEMORABLE
Celtic won the title that season, one of Postecoglou’s five trophies in a memorable 24 months in Glasgow.
But it is highly-rated Knutsen who is now being courted to replace interim boss O’Neill as Celtic look to build on last season’s impressive league and cup double.
Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy is another surprise named linked the Celtic job, as well as Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.
Our sources understand McKenna is happy with the Tractor Boys are focused on trying to get the Tractor Boys back in the Premier League.
But Knutsen’s impressive CV, which includes winning four league titles and guided the club to the Europa League semi-finals last term, is why Celtic are sitting up and taking note about one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.