GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 11: : Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell, Majority Shareholder Dermot Desmond and Chief Executive Michael Nicholson during a UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Celtic and AS Roma at Celtic Park, on December 11, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
On Wednesday Sky Sports reported that Celtic had held constructive talks with Robbie Keane. More accurately, Dermot Desmond held constructive talks with Keane.
On Thursday the former Liverpool striker was in South Korea for a jolly boys outing against Barcelona. The sort of event that helps soothe bruised egos.
Plenty of attention and acclaim from local fans, catch up with former team-mates and opponents while indulging in plenty of hospitality.
It is possible that Keane is in Seoul preparing for a media conference at Celtic Park on Monday.
It is also possible that he is quietly easing himself out of the picture as Celtic hunt a manager.
Wilfried Nancy was sacked more than five months ago after 33 disastrous days.
On Wednesday Anthony Joseph and Mark McAdam reported:
Celtic have held constructive talks with Robbie Keane over their managerial vacancy.
Sky Sports News understands further discussions are scheduled to take place this week.
Possibly not as constructive as Celtic would like to portray the talks.
Robbie Keane is still expected to play for Liverpool Legends at the Champions Impact tournament in South Korea this weekend.
The match against Barcelona Legends takes place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Saturday. https://t.co/NmmvTFIImy
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) June 3, 2026
Dermot Desmond is of course leading the talks with Keane about the job. Not Celtic’s £17,000 a week Chief Executive Officer.
Michael Nicholson is left to hold the fort at the football club propped up by Brian Unity Wilson.
Even though he is a 24/7 apologist for the Labour Party Wilson has some capacity to read the room.
He knows that there is a fragile peace in place at Celtic Park.
DECISION TIME FOR DESMOND’S CELTIC PLACEMEN
If Desmond delivers Keane as manager the protests against the Celtic board will intensify. They haven’t been forgiven for the 25/26 season salvaged by Martin O’Neill.
If Keane rejects the advances of Desmond the Irish businessman is going to look very foolish. If he is snubbed by Keane the aura of Desmond is dismantled. In the past he has had credibility for bringing good managers to the club. Without that he provides nothing.
Presenting Keane to the Celtic support is way past the skill-set of anyone at the club. Certainly PR guru Iain Jamieson.
While Desmond slinks back to his favourite fairways thousands of miles from Celtic Park the club directors and executives face the flack.
They put up with a lot last season.
Having that intensified isn’t an appealing thought. Especially with a team rebuild required and the clock ticking towards a Champions League Play Off.
Make no mistake Desmond needs his placemen in Glasgow to ensure that his word is followed.
Wilson and Nicholson don’t need increased grief.
Does Desmond have another CEO or Chairman lined up to come in and cope with the anger of fans while building a team under an unpopular manager.
Perhaps even Desmond will realise that he is no longer in his prime. He has escaped a lot of scrutiny but the spotlight has been on him since he slaughtered Brendan Rodgers.
His chase for Keane might be one battle too far.
Taking a back-seat while offloading his shares might be the best decision he can make. Surely his son Ross realises that inheriting Daddy’s Celtic stock will be a lot more hassle than it is worth.
F off keane and desmond