Celtic next manager: Big names linked with job including David Wagner, Martinez and Dan Petrescu to replace Neil Lennon

CELTIC chiefs have started the search for Neil Lennon’s successor after his exit.

Will they go for a big hitter, a safe pair of hands or an up and coming coach as their next boss?

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SunSport takes a look at some of the runners and riders in contention for the Parkhead hotseat.

DAN PETRESCU

ROMANIAN legend claimed he was close to taking the Celtic job in 2014 and has enhanced his managerial CV.

Petrescu masterminded Cluj’s shock 2019 Champions League victory over Celtic and is now a free agent after mysteriously quitting as Kayserispor boss on Tuesday after just eight weeks in charge.

Petrescu would jump at the chance of managing Celtic.

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DAVID WAGNER

GERMAN was linked to Celtic before Lennon’s second spell was made permanent in May 2019.

Worked wonders at Huddersfield as he led them to the Premier League and was a cult hero among the club’s fans.

Big pals with Jurgen Klopp, he worked as Borussia Dortmund reserve boss but his last job at Schalke was a disaster — with Wagner sacked after just a few months.

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DIEGO MARTINEZ

CURRENT Granada boss is viewed as the next top coach to come out of LaLiga and Celtic chiefs will be aware of his work with the Spanish side.

Defied the odds to take them to the Europa League after finishing seventh last term.

Still only 40, Martinez is a former Sevilla No 2 and tipped to be the No1 there one day.

But he’s also catching the eye of several Euro clubs.

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EDDIE HOWE

FORMER Bournemouth gaffer has a big reputation as one of Britain’s top young bosses.

Howe worked a minor miracle with the Cherries before leaving in August.

Once tipped as a future England boss, the 43-year-old would be a popular choice among the Hoops supporters and is currently looking for a gig.

But would Howe rather wait for a Premier League job?

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JOHN KENNEDY

THE current Celtic interim boss has been with the club man and Bhoy and has been asked to steady the ship after Lennon’s exit.

Kennedy is expected to remain in charge until the end of the season and has a chance to stake a claim for the job, should he be interested.

Highly rated across football circles, Kennedy is popular among the Celtic squad and is looking for a big response.

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STEVE CLARKE

TARTAN ARMY footsoldiers wouldn’t be happy but Scotland boss Clarke seems an ideal candidate for the Celtic job.

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Organised and well-liked by players, the former Kilmarnock gaffer knows Scottish football inside out and has a stellar CV from his time working in England alongside Jose Mourinho and other top bosses.

But could he be persuaded to quit Scotland? 

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