Less than two months after leading Donegal to the All-Ireland football title, manager Jim McGuinness is on the verge of joining Glasgow Celtic as a member of their technical staff.
Sources in Glasgow have indicated that McGuinness is expected to take up a development role with the club’s academy. The position is understood not to be full-time but it is not yet known whether he will be in a position to combine it with remaining in charge of Donegal.
The Glenties man, who revolutionised both his county and football in general over the past two years, holds degrees in sports science and sports psychology.
Speculation about the appointment began to spread yesterday after McGuinness attended Wednesday’s Champions League victory over Barcelona in Celtic Park but rumours about a possible move to professional soccer had begun as soon as the football championship ended in September.
The Donegal manager is friendly with Celtic manager Neil Lennon, a former Armagh minor who attended September’s All-Ireland final as a guest of the GAA.
McGuinness would find it a wrench to leave Donegal halfway through his four-year appointment and with the challenge of retaining the All-Ireland, but the position would represent a major progression.
Donegal has always had a strong connection with Celtic. McGuinness was unavailable for comment last night.
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