With the search intensifying for a replacement for Brendan Rodgers, name after name continues to appear in the Scottish media but what we want is a new man in place, and the sooner the better. And if we have any ambition at all as a club, there’s one man we need to bend over backwards to accommodate, and that is obviously Nicky Hayen of Club Brugge.
Celtic v Club Brugge – UEFA Champions League Nicky Hayen, head coach of Club Brugge pictured during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Club Brugge on November 26, 2024. Photo Peter De Voecht
Anyone who has seen his Brugge side in action, and the impressive work he has done to make the Belgian side a more than competent outfit on the European scene at Champions League level will wholeheartedly agree.
Hayen is one of numerous names being banded about in the rumour mill, indeed he’s even commented on the speculation and reading between the lines, it appeared that he certainly wasn’t ruling out any possible move.
Celtic v Club Brugge – UEFA Champions League Nicky Hayen, head coach of Club Brugge pictured during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Club Brugge on November 26, 2024. Photo Peter De Voecht
Some will sneer, and tell you that Hayen would be off his head to swap Club Brugge for Glasgow Celtic but would he really? Salary wouldn’t be an issue as the Belgian is most likely on a lesser wage at Brugge than Brendan was at Celtic, so our club could well tempt him in that regard.
Despite what some might think, Celtic are still a big draw for many managers throughout Europe, there’s a chance to win trophies and compete in the Champions League on a regular basis. We are still regarded as a massive club, and any ambitious manager would jump at the chance to pit their wits in the challenging environment that is Scotland and Celtic.
Nicky Hayen, head coach of Club Brugge pictured at the Ostend-Bruges airport before departure for the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Club Brugge on November 26, 2024. Photo Peter De Voecht
The only snag is when it comes to our own ambitions, mainly that of our incompetent custodians. If they really wanted what was best for the club then they would give Hayen what he wants, as he’s a man who has the experience and potential to take us to the next level.
It’s well within Celtic’s capabilities to capture a name like Nicky Hayen, it’s more a question of our board, and are they ambitious enough to try.
Nicky Hayen, head coach of Club Brugge arrives at the press during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Club Brugge on November 26, 2024. Photo: Peter De Voecht
Nicky Hayen would be my first choice and he’s also be theRangers’ worst nightmare after his Brugge side’s 9-1 aggregate win over the latest Ibrox club in the Champions League qualifying round earlier this season.
Ask the question at least Celtic, you never know until you try…
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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I think that the Celtic should do everything in their power to ensure that Nicky Hayen if he is interested in the club comes.
After watching Brugge vs Barca this week, Nicky’s team was a very young and an exciting opponent who attacked for fun and if he could reproduce this at Celtic the fans would love his brand of football.
Fingers crossed.