Hibernian sporting director Graeme Mathie isn’t surprised there are rumours linking Jack Ross to Celtic after the Scottish giants hit a brick wall in their pursuit of Eddie Howe, speaking to the Edinburgh News.
After a season as disastrous as the one just gone, Hoops fans have got used to expecting the worst-case scenario.
So when news broke Eddie Howe wouldn’t be taking the Celtic job after all, turning down the Glasgow giants after weeks of protracted negotiations, the reaction from outside Parkhead may have been more of a resigned sigh than stunned gasp (BBC).
Howe’s sudden U-turn, then, leaves the Bhoys in an awkward position, especially given some of the other candidates, such as Enzo Maresca and Jesse Marsch, have since moved elsewhere.
Could Celtic make move for Hibernian boss Ross?
But, with the well running dry, could Celtic look closer to home for Neil Lennon’s replacement?
Mathie is hoping the answer to that particular poser is an emphatic ‘no’.
“Unfortunately, you just never know. But I’m not naive. We understand Jack is a highly regarded head coach and manager, as he should be, just as we are aware our talented players might be wanted by others in January or at the end of the season,” the Hibs director said when asked about Celtic’s links with Ross.
“We also have to be aware of all these other things and prepare appropriately
“It is something I hope doesn’t come across my desk any time soon. I think Jack is in the right place. We want him to be here for a long period of time.
“But when you hear these type of rumours it’s only prudent for us to consider if something like that was to happen some time in the future, what would be our next move?”
After a testing spell at Sunderland, Ross has rebuilt his reputation north of the border, guiding Hibs to their best league finish in 16 years and the Scottish League Cup final.
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