Celtic will aim to appoint a new manager as quickly as possible after Gordon Strachan stepped down in the wake of their failure to clinch a fourth successive title. Strachan quit a day after a goalless draw with Hearts heralded a disappointing end to an otherwise successful four years in charge.
Strachan also won three domestic cup competitions, including a Co-operative Insurance Cup final victory over Rangers in March, and twice led Celtic into the last 16 of the Champions League.
He recently declared himself satisfied with life in the west of Scotland but his departure was no surprise.
Strachan was never fully accepted by a large number of Celtic fans and he has never hidden his unease at the media coverage that surrounds the Old Firm.
The Celtic board will now need to act fast to appoint a new manager, whose season will begin in late July with a Champions League qualifier.
A number of candidates had already been touted as potential successors before Celtic announced Strachan’s departure on their website this afternoon.
West Brom manager Tony Mowbray, a former Celtic player, is among the early favourites after impressing fans at the Hawthorns and former club Hibernian with his brand of football.
Owen Coyle’s stock has risen considerably following his remarkable spell at Burnley, who he today led into the Barclays Premier League.
Motherwell boss Mark McGhee has long been touted as a candidate after leading the Steelmen back into Europe while Dundee United manager Craig Levein is also highly regarded.
Celtic could turn to first-team coach Neil Lennon if they decide to promote from within, although his lack of managerial experience may count against him.
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy and Everton boss Davie Moyes are also both former Celtic players who have done impressive jobs in England, although both are unlikely to leave the Premier League.
Strachan’s successor will have a hard act to follow regardless of some Celtic fans’ opinion of the former Aberdeen player.
The former Coventry and Southampton manager became the first Celtic manager to claim a hat-trick of titles since Jock Stein, despite having less money to spend than acclaimed predecessor Martin O’Neill.
The summer transfer budget has been further hit by the lack of guaranteed Champions League football.
Rangers secured a place in the group stages and the €11.5million bounty that comes with it when they secured the title, but Celtic must negotiate two qualifying rounds to join them.
Strachan declared it an “honour” to have managed Celtic in a statement. He said: “I have enjoyed my time immensely at Celtic and clearly I will be sad to leave this great club.
“As I have said before, Celtic is a special club, with special supporters. There is no club like it and it has been an absolute honour and privilege to be the club’s manager for the past four years.
“We have done all we can to bring success to the club and we were delighted to deliver three SPL titles, other domestic silverware, as well as making some great progress in Europe.
“It is just disappointing that we did not manage the fourth championship. However, the players can hold their heads high in terms of what they have done for the club in recent years.
“I would like to thank the Celtic board for all the support they have given me during the past four years, in particular Dermot Desmond, John Reid, Peter Lawwell and former chairman Brian Quinn — I could not have asked for any more support.
“I thank all the players I have worked with at the club and, of course, my backroom team for the backing and assistance which they have given me.
“I thank the fans too for the tremendous support which they have given both myself and the players. I wish Celtic and our supporters nothing but success for the future.”
Main shareholder Desmond recognised Strachan’s part in reducing the club’s debt and wage bill.
“Gordon leaves Celtic a better club both on and off the balance sheet,” said the Irishman.
“Personally, I am extremely grateful for his contribution to the development of this great club.”
