Bobby Petta Exclusive - McKenna Would Suit Celtic
The hunt for Celtic's next permanent manager continues, with fans hoping to blow away the dark clouds over Parkhead and return to the attacking verve that once thrilled the stands.
The trophies have continued to roll in, but the atmosphere around the club has been palpable, and supporters are yearning for a return to the days of excitement under Ange Postecoglou.
Above all, the Celtic fans want a manager to match the passion that comes from the stands week in and week out.
Former winger Bobby Petta, who graced the left flank for Celtic between 1999 and 2004 after a move from Ipswich, once symbolised the kind of flair fans associated with the club’s identity.
The Dutchman played over 50 games for the Bhoys during his time at the club, and in an exclusive interview with Gambling.com, he gave his thoughts on the drama unfolding at his old club.
McKenna's Style Of Football Would Suit
There is growing belief that Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna could be the ideal fit for Celtic’s next chapter, and Petta is an admirer of the 10/11 favourite with betting sites.
The 39-year-old, who formerly worked in Manchester United’s coaching staff, has impressed with his style of attacking football and talent development, something that would align closely with the 'Celtic way'.
"The Ipswich Town manager, McKenna — he’s done really well with that club," Petta said. “It was always a tough ask to remain in the Premier League, then you go back into the Championship, and it’s a tough league. But he’s done really well.”
Having been in charge of Ipswich for just under four years, Petta also pointed to the stability McKenna has built at Portman Road and how he could bring that north of the border.
"He’s been at Ipswich for a long, long time. So you never know [if McKenna would be interested in leaving]. He’s the type of coach that should be on the list. You need to look at the coach and see the type of football he likes to play, and if that’s suitable for the type of club he wants to go to.
"Before Ipswich went to the Premier League - the style of football they played, their directness and his background - why not?
"He’s a young manager, he’s been at Manchester United and he’s done really well at Ipswich."
Petta also believes the 39-year-old’s balance of structure and attacking ambition would quickly win over fans. "He’s a type of coach who knows how to play football," Petta added. "He’s learning a lot, and it’s just finding that particular place where you have a bit more stability."
However, questions remain. His current contract with Ipswich runs until 2028, so bringing him to Celtic would likely cost a hefty compensation fee.
McKenna ticks many of the boxes, but Petta also believes an old favourite would be welcomed back with open arms.
Ange Still Fans' First Choice
While McKenna would bring freshness and long-term promise, Postecoglou remains the sentimental favourite among the Celtic faithful.
The Aussie boss's high-tempo, attacking philosophy transformed the club’s identity during his previous spell, and Petta believes supporters are still yearning for that brand of football.
"Ange would be the popular appointment, because of the style of football he has been playing,” Petta said. "That’s what the fans enjoyed watching when he was here."
The former Ipswich and Bradford winger also feels that Celtic’s play this season hasn’t quite matched the energy and excitement expected.
"If you look at this season, it was a little bit flat in my opinion. A lot of passes going sideways, and I expected a little bit more initiative and attacking football.
"We still got the results, but to get the fans back up on their seats and really supporting the club - that’s by an attacking style of football.”
Petta acknowledges that a return for Postecoglou, who moved to Tottenham and lasted just 39 days in charge of Nottingham Forest, might not be realistic in the short term, but the qualities that made him successful are precisely what Celtic need.
"A big club requires a strong character to be able to weather the storm and deal with everything - the pressures, the questions from the press - all that kind of stuff,” he said.
"It’s not easy. Ange for me is probably top of the list, so to speak.
"It needs to be a manager who is strong, a strong personality, but plays a type of football that suits Celtic. It cannot be defensive - it has to be attacking."
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