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

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      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?

      Neil Lennon has left Celtic but who will replace him in the Parkhead hotseat?Credit: AFP or licensors

      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.

      Dan Petrescu is a free agent after quitting Kayserispor after just eight weeks at helmCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      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.

      David Wagner worked wonders at Huddersfield but had a poor time of it at SchalkeCredit: EPA
      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.

      Diego Martinez is working wonders with LaLiga outfit GranadaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      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?

      Eddie Howe has a big reputation and is currently looking for his next jobCredit: PA:Press Association
      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.

      John Kennedy has taken interim charge at Celtic after Lennon’s departureCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      STEVE CLARKE
      TARTAN ARMY footsoldiers wouldn’t be happy but Scotland boss Clarke seems an ideal candidate for the Celtic job.
      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? 

      Celtic may try and persuade Steve Clarke to quit his post as Scotland bossCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

      Neil Lennon QUITS as Celtic boss after crisis talks with Hoops 18 points behind Steven Gerrard’s Rangers More

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      Ex-Arsenal star Anthony Stokes placed on anti-domestic abuse course after admitting harassing former girlfriend

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      FORMER Arsenal and Celtic star Anthony Stokes has been ordered to complete an anti-domestic abuse course.
      The striker, 32, has been put on the ‘Caledonian Programme’ after he admitted harassing his former girlfriend Eilidh Scott.

      Anthony Stokes was told he must complete the programme or risk a jail sentenceCredit: Tom Farmer – The Scottish Sun

      Stokes, of Glasgow, was back in the dock after he had earlier been ordered to be of good behaviour for eight months.
      The case at Hamilton Sheriff Court was previously due to call last May but has been hit by a string of delays because of the pandemic.
      Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen has now placed Stokes under supervision for two years, which requires him to take part in the course.
      But he warned the Irishman failure to complete the programme could see him put behind bars.

      When asked directly by the sheriff if he would comply with the order, Stokes replied: “Yes.”
      Michael Gallen, defending, said: “He is suitable for the Caledonian Programme and if that is what is in mind then he will agree to it.

      Stokes’ only first-team Arsenal appearance came in October 2005 after coming through the academyCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “He has followed the non-harassment order and there have been no convictions between the date of deferral back in September 2019 to now.
      “Having ordered him to be of good behaviour since I submit an order for supervision and the programme requirement may be sufficient to deal with this matter.”

      Sheriff MacFadyen said: “The most recent report in this case indicates there is still work for you to do to address your offending behaviour and what it was that led you to behave that way towards your former partner.

      “I have in mind to place you, as a direct alternative to custody with this being a serious charge, on a community payback order for two years.
      “You will be under supervision of the social work department and there is a requirement that you attend the Caledonian Programme which is designed for men guilty of this sort of offending.
      “Failure to comply with the order will be reported back to the court and if it amounts to a breach then all sentencing options will be open to the court up to and including custody.”

      He joined Livingston last summer but left just three weeks laterCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      Stokes spent four years on Arsenal’s books as he came through the academy and made one first-team appearance, in a 3-0 win over Sunderland in the League Cup in October 2005.
      But it was north of the border where he enjoyed the most success, winning seven trophies in six seasons at Celtic and netting twice in Hibs’ 3-2 Scottish Cup win over Rangers in 2016.
      The nine-cap Irish forward most recently joined Livingston in 2020 but left just three weeks later without making an appearance.

      Fan banners down the years tell the turbulent story of Neil Lennon’s relationship with the Celtic support More

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      Ex-Newcastle star Ki Sung-yueng slams reports claiming he forced youths to perform sex acts on him in South Korea

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      EX-Celtic and Newcastle star Ki Sung-yueng has blasted reports linking him to the abuse of youths as a starlet in his native South Korea.
      The midfielder, 32, released a furious statement after articles hinted he was the country’s mystery star player who had been accused of attacks on two schoolmates in 2000.

      Ki Sung-Yeung, pictured during his time at Celtic, denied claims he was involved in forcing youths to perform sexual acts on himCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      It comes after a lawyer in the country claimed an ace forced two youths to perform sexual acts on him and a pal and they beat them if they refused.
      Ki, who joined Seoul FC last summer, wrote on Instagram: “I have absolutely zero connection to events reported in the media.
      “I don’t think I really need to say much more than that. Nothing of that nature ever happened. I will stake my football career to that.”
      The midfielder, who was a hit with Celtic fans during his two-year spell at the club, vowed to take legal action to protect ‘my suffering family’.

      He added: “I didn’t think this could be a problem because it’s not true, but then I realised it could threaten my career and put my family in danger.
      “I will not sit idly by.”
      Ki joined the K League side after spending a decade in the UK at Celtic, Swansea City, Sunderland and Newcastle.
      He was linked to the case after two clients of Seoul-based firm Hyun Law raised allegations against an unnamed ‘star player who recently joined a club in the greater Seoul area’.

      Attorney Park Ji-hun was quoted in Korean media saying a player and a team-mate forced the two alleged victims to perform sex acts on them between January and June in 2000.
      Park is said to have further claimed in a press release that when the youths allegedly refused, the two older players – who were a year their senior- ‘mercilessly beat them up’.
      The lawyer added: “Some 20 years after that, they’re still traumatised by those memories.
      “First and foremost, the victims want a sincere apology. The hurt inflicted on them has had a serious impact on their lives.”
      He added it would be difficult to launch a criminal case as the two alleged attackers were minors, and also too much time has since passed.
      But he decided to make the claims public because of the impact it had on the two alleged victims, and because their information was so specific.
      INSTAGRAM DENIAL
      Ki posted the Instagram denial on Thursday morning, after social media speculation and reports in the country linked him to the case.
      He continues to train with his club, with FC Seoul reported to be looking into the circumstances.
      The South Korean international scored nine goals in 66 appearances as he played for the Parkhead club between 2010 and 2012 before six years on Swansea’s books and 18 months at Newcastle.

      The midfielder also previously turned out for NewcastleCredit: Reuters

      Neil Lennon QUITS as Celtic boss after crisis talks with Hoops 18 points behind Steven Gerrard’s Rangers More

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      Watch Morelos’ incredible sportsmanship as Rangers star is praised by Lukaku after ‘great’ gesture for injured opponent

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      RANGERS star Alfredo Morelos has been widely praised for showing incredible sportsmanship in the win over Royal Antwerp.
      The Gers hitman, who has something of a bad boy reputation, was baring down on the opposition’s box as he chased a channel ball from Ianis Hagi in the 5-2 Europa League win.

      Antwerp skipper Richie De Laet shakes Alfredo Morelos’ hand after his incredible sportsmanshipCredit: PA:Press Association

      However, as the Colombian knocked the ball up the wing, defender Gelin appeared to full up with a hamstring injury.
      This left the striker a glaring gap to close in further on the Antwerp goal and potentially add a second of the night for the home side.
      However, the 24-year-old admirably knocked slowed down, turned around and passed the ball out of play in a warming act of sportsmanship.
      And Inter Milan Romelu Lukaku took to social media to praise Morelos for halting the attack to look after the injured player.

      He tweeted: “Fair play to Morelos from Glasgow rangers. Through on goal and stopping for an injury of the opponent. Great sportsmanship.”
      The Belgian’s tweet has already racked up nearly 30,000 likes.
      The powerful striker had a keen interest in the match, which ended with an incredible 9-5 aggregate score, as his brother Jordan plays at left wing back for the Belgian side.
      His act of kindness was certainly appreciated by the Antwerp team, with skipper Ritchie de Laet shaking the striker’s hand after the incident.

      Morelos celebrates after scoring the first in the 5-2 win that saw Rangers progressCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun
      BT commentator Stephen Craigan was full of kind words for Morelos after his act of sportsmanship.
      He said: “I think his team mates are giving him a bit of stick for stopping the play.
      “He comes in for criticism Alfredo Morelos but you’ve got to say sportsmanship, that is out of the top drawer.
      “He could easily have went for goal or passed somebody else in.
      “You’ve got to hold your hand up and say ‘credit Alfredo Morelos’. I’m not too sure his manager will be pleased with him.”
      However, fellow co-com and ex-Rangers player Alex Rae disagreed with his actions.
      He added: “I’m not too sure I would have done it myself Stephen.
      “It’s only his hamstring that has gone, it’s not as if it’s a serious injury. I’d most certainly be going for a second goal there.

      “He had bodies piling into the box as well. Hagi was there and Ryan Kent was there.”
      Gers boss Steven Gerrard was delighted with Morelos’ performance.
      He said: “I thought he was unplayable. Probably the strongest performance he has put in this season.
      “He’s coming into work with a smile on his face. If he can keep performing like that it’s going to be a huge season for the club.”

      Look back at all 103 goals Rangers have scored so far in their incredible season More

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      Rangers 5 Antwerp 2 (9-5 on agg): Gerrard’s men into last 16 after highest-scoring Europa League tie in 13 seasons

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      RANGERS reached the Europa League last 16 for the second successive season after sweeping aside Antwerp.
      The Light Blues ran out 5-2 winners on the night and 9-5 on aggregate in a thrilling two-legged affair to book their spot in the next round.

      Rangers are in the hat for the last 16 draw after an Ibrox thrillerCredit: Reuters

      Rangers move on in Europe! 🌍Fourteen goals across two legs, we are off to catch our breath.Steven Gerrard’s team will take some stopping! 💙#UEL pic.twitter.com/ldWsOCybgh
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 25, 2021

      14 – Rangers 9-5 Royal Antwerp is the highest-scoring two-legged tie in the UEFA Cup/Europa League since Helsingborgs 8-6 Heerenveen in the 2007-08 first round. Entertainment. pic.twitter.com/frch3j5pq4
      — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 25, 2021

      Steven Gerrard’s men went into the Ibrox showdown in the driving seat following FOUR away goals in Belgium last week.
      And they scored another FIVE on their own patch in another seven-goal thriller.
      Their 9-5 win was the highest scoring tie in the tournament since Helsingborgs beat Heerenveen 8-6 in 2007-08.
      Alfredo Morelos grabbed an early opener for the hosts after Ryan Kent picked the pocket of the Antwerp defence before laying in the Colombian to fire home first time into an empty net.

      Just after the half hour mark the visitors gave themselves a lifeline through Lior Refaelov after he fired across Allan McGregor at the near post following some excellent play from Jordan Lukaku on the wing.
      Nathan Patterson made his return to action following his Covid breach as a second-half substitute for Leon Balogun.
      And he made an instant impact after scoring just 16 SECONDS after the restart.
      The youngster latched on to a through ball from Morelos and made no mistake as he smashed his effort across the keeper and into the net.

      Nathan Patterson nets on his Rangers returnCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun

      You just couldn’t write it! 🤯Restored to the squad, on at half-time. All it took was 16 seconds for Nathan Patterson! ⚡️That’s how to answer your critics! 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/xtn3nYybWU
      — Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 25, 2021

      Morelos was in brilliant form for Rangers on the European stage once againCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ryan Kent made it three after good work Morelos once again as Gerrard and Co took control of the tie.
      Lamkel Ze handed the Belgians a glimmer of hope with Antwerp’s second of the night with little over half an hour to play.
      But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Borna Barisic smashed home from the spot – his third penalty across the two-legged tie – after Morelos was fouled in the box.
      Cedric Itten rounded off the scoring on a perfect night for the home side with a spot-kick in the 91st minute after Scott Wright was fouled in the box.
      All eyes will now be on Friday’s draw as Rangers wait to discover their next challenge on the European stage.

      Rangers boss Gerrard, Boyd, Hartson and McGinn all love McCoist’s bonkers video celebrating victory over Antwerp More

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      Rangers boss Steven Gerrard looking forward to a PINT with ex-Celtic gaffer Neil Lennon as he reveals close family bond

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      STEVEN GERRARD says he looks forward to meeting Neil Lennon for a PINT.
      The respectful Rangers boss refused to gloat over Lennon’s Celtic departure.

      Rangers boss Gerrard is looking forward to catching up with Lennon over a pintCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Rangers boss Gerrard and Lennon’s families know each other from holidaying in same areaCredit: PA:Press Association

      Instead Gerrard paid tribute to his Old Firm rival — and revealed he hopes to see him soon.
      He said: “I know Neil as a guy, I know his family from holidaying in the same areas and he’s a good guy. He has been a big supporter of my charity over the years.
      “Obviously we have to put that aside when you are big rivals and I have enjoyed the battles and going toe-to-toe with Neil on the sideline.
      “He’s a good coach, a good manager. I’m sure once the dust settles, we can share a pint again.”

      SunSport broke the news on Tuesday night that Lennon was on his way out of Celtic.
      Gerrard added: “I can’t say I’m surprised because of obviously what’s been going on over there.
      “But I take no personal satisfaction from seeing that news happen to Neil or any other fellow manager that it happens to. So I wish him well for the future.”
      The brilliant job Gerrard has done at Rangers this season only heaped more pressure on Lennon.

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      Now the Ibrox boss is on the verge of winning his first title and he plans to enjoy it.
      He added: “This is a tough job, a tough gig. Of course we will savour it when it comes.
      “The important thing is we have to grab it and make it happen.
      “We have to finish it off, get over those last obstacles in our way. Teams are not going to make it easy for us.
      “We have to execute the final part.  If we do, everyone at this club will have earned the right to savour it and enjoy it.
      “I’m one who uses setbacks and tough days to make me stronger and more determined. I’m someone who loves a challenge.
      “We are all together here. No one is looking forward to the day when  it does come more than me — but we will share  it together.
      “The most important people are the supporters. They’re the ones who have been on the journey from day one. They’ve had more tough days than me, so  it’s all about them.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Rangers face Royal Antwerp at Ibrox in the second leg of their Europa League last-32 clash with a 4-3 lead.
      Gerrard added: “We see this as a fresh game. We want to improve from a defensive point of view. We want to be  tighter and difficult to play against.
      “But we still want to carry a threat and score as many goals as we can. We’re at home and we’re not going to sit and wait.
      “We’re going to  be really aggressive and bold.
      “This is our home and we want to show everyone how difficult it is to play against this team when they come to Ibrox.”

      Neil Lennon QUITS as Celtic boss after crisis talks with Hoops 18 points behind Steven Gerrard’s Rangers More

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      Neil Lennon to LEAVE Celtic in next 24hrs with Hoops 18 points behind Steven Gerrard’s Rangers

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      NEIL LENNON is set to leave Celtic in the next 24 hours.
      SunSport understands the Hoops board have been in crisis talks since Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Ross County.

      Neil Lennon is set to leave Celtic in the next 24 hoursCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Lennon’s second spell as Celtic boss is expected to end imminently – with No2 John Kennedy put in interim charge.
      Celtic’s horror season went from bad to worse in Dingwall – leaving them 18 points behind Steven Gerrard’s Rangers.
      Lennon is now set to depart the club he has served as player, coach and manager for the best part of two decades.
      The 49-year-old has been under huge pressure for the last five months, with punters calling for him to be axed.

      But Celtic powerbrokers Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell stayed loyal to the club legend.
      They wanted to at least give him until the end of the season – despite the ten-in-a-row bid crumbling.
      But a parting of the ways is now imminent – two years on from Lennon’s return as boss in February 2019.

      John Kennedy will take interim charge of CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      The Northern Irishman replaced Brendan Rodgers after his sudden exit to Leicester City.

      He previously bossed Celtic between 2010 and 2014 – guiding them to the last 16 of the Champions League.
      Lennon teamed up with Kennedy as assistant on his return and steered Celtic over the line in the Premiership and Scottish Cup.
      He then claimed another Treble after the Hoops won the delayed 2019/20 Scottish Cup in December.
      But Celtic were already out of this season’s Betfred Cup after a humiliating 2-0 defeat to County in late November.
      That led to shocking protests outside Parkhead – with raging punters having to be held back by cops.
      The Hoops also trailed Rangers in the league after a poor start and had exited the Champions League qualifiers.
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      Big-money signings Vasilis Barkas and Albian Ajeti failed to convince and star man Odsonne Edouard was unsettled.
      Boli Bolingoli’s secret Spanish trip also led to Celtic having two games called off – forcing them to play catch-up to Gers.
      Celtic’s Europa League results piled more pressure on Lennon – with successive 4-1 defeats to Sparta Prague.
      The Hoops rallied in December but the Old Firm defeat to Rangers at Ibrox on January 2 was another blow to their title hopes.
      Lennon took Celtic to Dubai for a training camp but that trip ended in controversy and a positive Covid test for Chris Jullien.
      The manager, Kennedy and 13 players were forced into isolation – leaving No3 Gavin Strachan in charge.
      An understrength Celtic drew with Hibs and Livingston – and were then held again by the Lions when Lennon returned.
      Further losses to St Mirren and Ross County left the faltering title bid in tatters as Rangers romped ahead.
      Lennon – who SunSport revealed had been backed to continue in early January – came under intense pressure.
      He pointed to “mitigating factors” and revealed certain players had wanted away since the summer.
      When Celtic finally issued their club review in February, there was no mention of his long-term future.
      Desmond and the outgoing Lawwell were keen to stand by their man before an expected parting of the ways in the summer.
      But the situation worsened on Sunday night after the struggling Staggies again stunned the Hoops.

      Lennon is now set to be taken out of the firing line – with Kennedy expected to be installed as caretaker boss.
      The former Hoops player has filled various backroom roles and is highly thought of by staff and players.
      Gavin Strachan is set to assist Kennedy, with a third coach being appointed from within.
      They are likely to be in charge for Saturday’s home clash against Aberdeen – as Celtic begin the hunt for a new gaffer.
      Lawwell’s replacement Dominic McKay starts in the summer, with the Hoops also looking for a director of football in a new structure.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Celtic central defender Chris Jullien posts image of him WALKING without crutches as he rehabs knee injury in France More

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      Rangers agree deal to sign US wonderkid Francis Jacobs who is America’s youngest soccer pro at age of just 15

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      RANGERS have reportedly completed a deal to sign American prodigy Francis Jacobs.
      The Athletic claims that Orange County midfielder Jacobs, 15, will move to Ibrox at the end of the season.

      US sensation Francis Jacobs is set to join Rangers

      Highly-rated Jacobs became the youngest professional player in US soccer history after turning pro in August 2019 at the age of 14 years, four months and 29 days.
      The record was previously held by former American prodigy Freddy Adu, who was a few weeks older when he penned his contract with DC United in November 2003.
      And while ex-Celtic target Adu never lived up to his potential, Gers will hope US teenage starlet Jacobs can become the next big thing.
      Jacobs has already been involved with Rangers after he travelled to Doha with the under-16s last year to play in the Alkass Cup.

      He was one of three youngsters from Orange County – who are in partnership with the Ibrox giants – to travel to Scotland for a training stint.
      Standing at six-foot tall, Jacobs seems to have all the physical attributes to compete in the senior game.
      California-born Jacobs has already played two USL Championship games for Orange County’s first-team, making his debut against Las Vegas in September.
      Meanwhile Steven Gerrard last night admitted Rangers are finally eyeing up a championship party.

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      The Ibrox side are a whopping 18 points clear after their thumping 4-1 win over Dundee United.
      And Gerrard said: “It’s normal to think about it, I don’t think there’s any harm to do that. But the one thing I won’t do is get carried away too soon.
      “We’ve just got to finish the job off.”
      Rangers can now go to Celtic Park as CHAMPIONS if the Hoops drop any more points after their shock defeat to Ross County.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Look back at all 103 goals Rangers have scored so far in their incredible season More