In The Know reporter links Scott Brown with new Celtic role

Scott Brown and Darren O’Dea have been linked with backroom roles if Brendan Rodgers returns to Celtic as manager.

Over the last couple of days interest in the former Leicester City boss has escalated with the Daily Mail anticipating talks with Dermot Desmond to complete the deal.

Ange Postecoglou’s interest in taking John Kennedy to Spurs has complicated the picture with the former defender part of the backroom staff for nine years, titled as Assistant Manager under the Australian.

After 14 years at Celtic Brown stepped well out of his comfort zone by managing Fleetwood Town, surviving the season in mid-table and taking his side to the last 16 of the FA Cup with QPR among their scalps.

With Fleetwood owner Andy Pilley facing a jail term after being convicted of fraud charges there is uncertainty at the club which could impact on Brown.

Whether he would want to go from managing a club to assisting Rodgers remains to be seen but in The Sun David Friel reveals the contenders and issues involved in forming Rodgers’ backroom team.

Rodgers’ long-serving No2 Chris Davies is wanted by Swansea City and is expected to strike out on his own this summer.

Kennedy, who was first-team coach during his previous stint at Celtic, would be a ready-made assistant. But the former Hoops defender last week made it clear he would like to join Postecoglou at Spurs.

Celtic have so far blocked approaches for Kennedy and fellow coach Gavin Strachan from the Premier League side.

Rodgers’ potential arrival complicates matters as he remains close with Kennedy from his last reign.

But legendary Celtic captain Brown would be bang in the frame for the No2 role if he does depart.

The 37-year-old has just completed his first season in management with Fleetwood Town and wants to be his own man.

But he remains in constant contact with Rodgers and the prospect of working with his old boss at Celtic would hold massive appeal.

Brown, who won 22 trophies during a 14-year Parkhead stay, would also be a hugely popular appointment with the fans.

Senior Celtic figures see the former skipper as a certain manager of the future and would welcome his return.

Hoops B team coach Darren O’Dea would be another contender to join a new-look backroom staff under Rodgers.

The Republic of Ireland star played for him at Reading and is highly rated at Celtic and within coaching circles.

In February 2021 Friel broke the news ahead of the Stock Market that Neil Lennon was resigning as Celtic manager.