Malky Mackay or Owen Coyle would have been viable options
Thursday 5 June 2014 15:46, UK
Andy Walker believes Ronny Deila would be an “underwhelming” choice as Celtic boss, but could go on to be very successful at the club.
Sky Sports sources understand that Deila, who guided Stromsgodset to the Norwegian title in 2013, is under serious consideration to replace Neil Lennon after Roy Keane dropped out of the running.
And while Walker says the 38-year-old would not set Celtic fans’ pulses racing if he took the reins, his experience of working on a shoestring could be crucial.
“It is a strange one as he is a name that none of us in Glasgow have really heard about,” Walker said of Delia, who has been in charge of Stromsgodset since 2008, on Sky Sports News.
“Celtic have gone from a really big personality in Keane – who clearly didn’t fancy the conditions of the job – and so Deila would be an underwhelming appointment.
“But you have to take into account that this is a guy that knows the Scandinavian scene really well, has had success over there and is comfortable on a limited budget.
“You have to give people like that a chance as they could achieve great things.”
Walker admits he is not surprised that Celtic are looking towards an unheralded name to succeed Lennon, with the Scottish Premiership not holding the lustre it once had.
But he says he would have preferred to see a Brit with English Premier League experience given the nod as the Bhoys plot their assault on next season’s Champions League, which will begin with qualifiers this summer.
And Walker feels Deila will be looking for someone with a superior knowledge of the Scottish game – and a bigger profile – to assist him should he become Celtic’s next boss.
“The Celtic job is not what it used to be and they are not going to attract the Martin O’Neills of this world and spend a lot of money,” he said.
“The credibility of Scottish football has dropped in recent years with astonishing mismanagement at Rangers, Hibernian and Hearts, and there is no competition for the league title.
“However, I would have liked to have seen Malky Mackay or Owen Coyle, someone who has done it in England and shown a great knowhow [become manager].
“I don’t know why we need to go abroad and find a sexier name as I’m sure there are a number of British, if not Scottish, candidates, who can bring players on.
“So I’m sure Deila will be looking to tap into someone who knows the Scottish scene and who is more identifiable with the Celtic support as he will be under pressure immediately.
“These Champions League games are on the horizon, they are the biggest games of Celtic's season and will define the campaign, so if he can get Celtic into the group stage he will buy himself time.”