Sir Kenny Dalglish: The sooner Celtic sort out manager situation, the better

The situation at Celtic right now is far from ideal. Just about everybody thought it was a done deal for Eddie Howe to become the new manager, only for it all to be called off on Friday morning.

I’m not certain why Eddie pulled out, and it’s never fair to speculate on the reasons But, for sure, it’s not the outcome Celtic wanted.

They now need to move on, and appoint their new manager as quickly as possible.

Many names have been linked with the job in the past 48 hours, and it’s up to Dermot Desmond, Peter Lawwell and Dominic McKay to get the very best candidate possible.

The Hoops supporters will want to see someone with strong credentials, and someone that gives them hope of winning back the title next season.

But given the current circumstances – and the size of the rebuild required at Celtic – Rangers are already ahead, and will start the new campaign as favourites.

© Alan Harvey / SNS Group

In other areas, Celtic are moving forward, with their pre-season training camp in Wales announced – along with a list of warm-up matches – and the season-ticket renewals being launched.

But the big thing is getting the new manager in place. That is the most important cog in any wheel inside a club.

There will then be new signings to organise, and the futures of players – such as Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie and Kris Ajer – sorted out.

Are they staying, or do they want to leave Celtic?

The new manager will also need to decide if he wants to bring in his own backroom staff, or stick with John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan.

The club also needs to address the roles of technical director, and head of recruitment.

So, many, many important things need to be sorted out.

The sooner it starts to all take shape, the better for all connected with Celtic.