Bilic owns up to Celtic interest

[Just Kieran]

Slaven Bilic

Although never having managed at Club level, Croatian legend Bilic boasts a pedigree higher than Celtic’s other candidates to replace Gordon Strachan. As a player, Bilic was renowned for his loyalty following his decision to stay at West Ham United – ensuring they avoided the drop back in 1997. On an International level, he reached both the quarter-final of Euro ’96, as well as the semi-final of the 1998 World Cup.

Bilic has courted controversy throughout his career – ranging from the play-acting debacle that saw Laurent Blanc sent off, missing the World Cup Final as a result, to the frequent suspensions that frustrated his various club bosses – including Walter Smith, during Bilic’s days as an Everton player.

Nonetheless, his managerial career has flourished; topping Group E in the Euro 2008 qualifiers – defeating England both home and away – as well as overseeing a revitalisation of the Croatian National squad following the promotions of Eduardo (Arsenal), Luka Modric (Spurs) and Vedran Corluka (also Spurs) to the Senior squad following their Under-21 exploits.

Bilic’s motivational talents are well touted, and he is a widely respected coach throughout Europe. Many Celtic fans quite rightly see him as the most exciting of all the managerial candidates for the available role – the fact that his agent, Rudi Vata, is an ex-Celt also provides a healthy link. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Vata had this to say:

“Slaven is certainly available to talk to Celtic, but we have not yet heard anything. He would be keen for a new challenge, and is well aware of the passion of the club and its supporters. He thinks he could take Celtic to the next level. We will wait and see.”

By no means favourite to be Gordon Strachan’s successor, it is nonetheless clear that Bilic would receive near-unanimous support from the Celtic faithful. Whether the board decide to play it safe with a domestic candidate, however, remains to be seen.

Written by Daver




THE OTHER MANAGERIAL CANDIDATES:

Owen Coyle

It’s only 3 years since the affable Scot from Paisley hung up his boots, as player/manager at St Johnstone in the second tier of Scottish football, but already his stock as an up and coming manager has risen enormously in the following 3 years.

The bookies favourite for the Parkhead hotseat took over the reigns at McDiarmid Park in April 2005 from the largely unsuccessful John Connolly and he would go on to earn 2 second place finishes with Saints in 2005-06 and 2006-07. Promotion from the latter of those 2 only being stopped by Gretna and their then significant financial muscle, on the last day of the season, by 1 goal.

Cup success is also something which has appeared to come naturally to Coyle in his fledgling career. Indeed when St Johnstone managed to beat Rangers 2 nil at Ibrox in the league cup in 2006 it was the first time in 35 years they had managed such a feat. Two semi final appearances soon followed for Saints, again proving the managers ability to get his charges punching above their weight.

Coincidentally, it has been cup competition this season which has really put Owen Coyle on the managerial map as a man with huge potential. Upon taking over at Burnley from Steve Coterill, who had left a largely depleted squad playing unattractive football, Coyle set about assembling a side on a modest budget and turning them into top Championship contenders. On the way he excelled in both the league and FA cup, knocking out no fewer than 4 Premiership sides; Chelsea, Arsenal, Fulham and West Brom. Following a 4 nil victory over Bristol City in the final game of the season his side ended up the 2008-09 season in 5th place in the Championship, their highest league finish in over 33 years. A win over Reading in the semi’s of the playoff’s saw Burnley face Sheffield United for the right to play in the Premiership which they subsequently won 1 nil and now face the prospect of Premiership football for the first time in their history. God like status has been achieved by Coyle from the fans who wore masks of his face, sung songs and carried banners heralding him as their saviour.

24 managers over 11 clubs during his playing career has given Coyle a dearth of experience in coaching and man-management methods to draw upon, which he has so far appeared to utilise to the full. It appears on the face of it that he is a man driven to succeed and manage at the very top level. If Celtic do choose to go for him and he does decide to give up the Premiership football he brought Burnley almost single handedly, it can be seen as a coup for the Parkhead board. Possibly inexperienced, possibly not a ‘big name’ but a manager that has supported the club since he was a boy and one that looks every inch the part. The Bhoy from Paisley that played for Ireland could very well fulfil his lifelong ambition to work for his heroes.

Written by Hammer

Mark McGhee

If reports are to be believed Gordon Strachan has recommended his close friend and neighbour Mark McGhee to the Celtic board as the man to take over the Celtic hot seat. McGhee has had a successful career as a player, winning European trophies with Aberdeen and the coveted Centenary Double with The Bhoys.

His managerial career got off to a great start when he won the Second division with Reading, this, coupled with his swift adaptation to the first division brought him to the attention of Premier League teams. Despite having a long term contract with Reading he left to join relegation threatened Premier League team Leicester City in December 1994. Things didn’t go quite as well at his new club as he was unable to save them for relegation and after less than a year in charge had left to join Wolverhampton Wanderers.

McGhee attempted to introduce a more fluent, passing game to Wolves and despite some relative success the teams early season poor form would return with them eventually finishing just above the relegation zone. Investment in the close season led to hopes of automatic promotion, however, they only managed to reach the play-offs with a third place finish. After a season of mid-table obscurity McGhee was sacked as Wolves manager in November 1998 and found himself out of the game for two years.

After a successful couple of seasons upon his return to management with Millwall in 2000 more disappointment was to follow, ultimately leading to him parting company with The Lions in October 2003. A fortnight later he was in charge of Brighton and Hove Albion, yet again a promising and successful start was followed by a disappointing following season and he was sacked in October 2006.

His Motherwell Career has been a carbon copy of his previous managerial positions getting off to a successful start, this time leading Motherwell to 3rd and a European position swiftly followed by a disappointing following season with the Steelmen unable to finish in the top 6 this season.

McGhee has stated that he is flattered with the link to the vacant managerial position at Celtic, however, some Celtic fans may well be less than impressed after viewing his mixed managerial CV.

Written by DanniGhirl

Tony Mowbray

Another candidate to take the vacant position at the club is former Celtic defender, Tony Mowbray.

'Mogga' started his playing career with boyhood heroes Middlesbrough before making the switch to Scotland. It is unknown to some people that it was him who started a now famous pre-match ritual, the huddle. He moved to Ipswich, and thats where his coaching career began.

He left Ipswich to join Hibs, his first management role. In his two full seasons in charge the club finished in the top 4 in consecutive seasons, and famously beat Rangers 3-0 at Ibrox - twice. He also picked up a Manager of the Year award, and his side were hailed in some quarters as the best footballing team in Scotland. The football was so good, in fact, that season tickets doubled during his tenure.

A hallmark of his time at Hibs was the development of numerous youngsters. Players such as Garry O'Connor, Derek Riordan, Steven Whittaker, Gary Caldwell, David Murphy, Scott Brown, Kevin Thompson and Steven Fletcher are examples of players who shot into the limelight at Easter Road.

Such success led to interest from other clubs, and in 2006 he joined West Bromwich Albion. He took over a struggling team and led them to the play-off final, narrowly missing out on promotion. In his first full season there was much change, with several key players sold. This did not harm Mowbray's sides campaign as they romped their way into the Premiership outscoring every team in the country.

This season has been more difficult. Despite his teams struggle, he refused to move away from his staunch football philosophy and continued to play a good passing game. This won him a lot of friends in the game, but brought a few critics as well.

West Brom will do all they can to keep him, but it may not be enough for him to resist the lure of Celtic Park. A compensation package of £1m is said to be needed to prise him away from The Hawthorns.

Written by Just Kieran