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If you’d tipped an hourglass upside down when Neil Lennon first left Celtic, it would have ticked to its end way before Dermot Desmond even had a clue who his replacement could be.

This has been a long and arduous few weeks for the Bhoys, who – try as they might – can’t seem to find a successor from anywhere.

What’s the word?

There have been several faces in line to become the new manager of Celtic. Roy Keane was among the early favourites after holding an interview but, after things went rather quiet on that front, he’s now back in contention.

Lucien Favre has been another option but Eddie Howe remains the outstanding candidate the Hoops hierarchy are reportedly after.

That being said, we’re now several weeks into the hiring process without nearing any form of announcement. This should be a worrying time for everyone associated with the football club, but a troublesome message from journalist Dean Jones on the Touchline Talk podcast should only add further concern.

He said: “So Eddie Howe, he’s there if they want him, but I think he’s just keeping an eye on what English jobs might crop up. I think he’s made been made aware that there might be a couple of openings coming for him and it might be better suited, but I do still think he’s in the frame at Celtic potentially. Roy Keane that just never goes away.”

Jones continued: “I’ve got to be honest with you, every time, every week I make calls on this and every time that message slightly changes and they just don’t seem to know what they want. It’s so important to decide what is the identity of your setup going to be from here? There’s changes all over the place at the top level of Celtic happening right now.”

Clouded with doubt

Lennon left Celtic with the Bhoys in absolute peril. They were 18 points adrift of Rangers, yet he still had the support of the boardroom. Had he not resigned, it wouldn’t have been a great surprise if he was still sat in the dugout at Paradise.

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His exit may have caught Desmond and co unawares but it’s now nearly two months to the day that Celtic’s hunt for a new manager began. Therefore, to hear that the message is constantly changing and that the Hoops are unsure of what they actually want is quite damning.

It’s also sending out the wrong message to supporters. The Green Brigade have already held mass protests outside Parkhead, while they’ve staunchly questioned Desmond and his companions.

The majority shareholder has revealed that he won’t sell his shares in the club, but news like this will only add to the fury from supporter groups. Desmond hasn’t been overly competent this season when it’s come to behind-the-scenes matters and the prolonged manager search just about sums it up.

Howe may be the first name on their list but, with Keane sat in second place after taking part in an interview, it just shows they don’t know what they want.

The former is a reserved and calculated character but Keane is a hot-headed, no-nonsense type of individual; they couldn’t be more different if they tried.

With such a big summer of change potentially on the cards, Desmond needs to work out what the club actually needs. There cannot afford to be any more uncertainty at Celtic after the campaign they’ve endured.

AND in other news, Celtic moving towards 3 landmark hires after big manager U-turn, Desmond surely elated…

Swansea City cannot allow their recent disappointment against Birmingham City play on their minds for too long, as they are back in action again on Easter Monday, as they take on Preston North End at the Liberty Stadium.

Steve Cooper’s side have seen their automatic promotion hopes take a huge blow in recent weeks, as they have fallen to three consecutive defeats against Bournemouth, Cardiff City and Birmingham, with Scott Hogan’s injury-time penalty on Friday sealing the three points for Lee Bowyer’s side last time out.

With plenty of Swansea’s players having only just returned from the international break before the trip to St Andrew’s, Cooper may well be forced into changes against the managerless visitors.

Here’s how we think Cooper will set his side up against Preston on Monday, with three changes from the side that started against Birmingham…

Freddie Woodman keeps his place in goal after saving one of the two penalties Swansea conceded in the defeat on Friday.

However, there are two changes in the defence, as Ben Cabango comes back in at centre-back in place of Connor Roberts, with Kyle Naughton pushing on from his usual centre-back position to play as a right wing-back. His Welsh teammate having been poor in recent fixtures.

Ryan Manning also comes in at left wing-back in place of Jake Bidwell to give Cooper’s side some more energy down the left.

In the likely absence of Conor Hourihane, who missed the Good Friday encounter, the midfield trio of Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes and Korey Smith stays the same.

It means Yan Dhanda remains on the bench after enduring a pretty horrific few minutes on the pitch at St Andrew’s, as he clumsily gave away the late penalty.

[freshpress-quiz id=“532484″]

Finally, there’s one change upfront, as 20-year-old gem Morgan Whittaker deserves a chance to start especially after an impressive performance against Bournemouth recently, with Jamal Lowe dropped as his goal drought continues.

He’ll join Andre Ayew in a two-pronged attack.

And, in other news… Lost possession 23x: Shocking Swansea lightweight cost Cooper with another awful display

Many Everton fans have been left to slam an update from Patrick Boyland on the fitness of both Ben Godfrey and Tom Davies.

As per a tweet from The Athletic journalist, both players failed late fitness tests which meant that they could not play for the England U21s in their crucial game against Croatia on Wednesday evening.

Aidy Boothroyd’s team managed to win the match 2-1 in the end without them, but the Young Lions still went crashing out at the group stages of the European Championships.

Nonetheless, the fitness of both Godfrey and Davies has now become a big concern for several members of the Goodison Park faithful, as they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League on Monday evening.

Everton fans on Godfrey and Davies fitness update

These supporters of the Merseyside club slammed the update from Boyland on Twitter, with one Toffees fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘unbelievable’:

“Hope that’s not true”

Credit: @nikkiharg

“No. Hope they are fit for our match especially Ben is a must”

Credit: @Efc_sai

“Oh no”

Credit: @jonesyefc

“Unbelievable how can that be at their age ?????????”

Credit: @brougham_kevin

“Eugh.”

Credit: @Phoenix20387

“:( Bad News Boyland”

Credit: @_lauraaj96

In other news, find out what Liverpool dig from one Blues star has been lauded by fans here!

Fans of West Bromwich Albion have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding the future of the Baggies’ manager, Sam Allardyce.

According to the report by the Birmingham Mail, Allardyce and West Brom will be at something of a crossroads come the end of the season, when, barring a remarkable escape from the Premier League relegation zone, the Baggies will be planning for a season in the Championship.

It is said that the West Brom hierarchy will have to weigh up whether they feel that the 66-year-old, who only joined the club in December of last year, is the man they wish to lead the club in the second tier next season, while it is also stated that it remains unclear whether the former England manager will wish to stay at The Hawthorns upon relegation – with a summer break clause in Allardyce’s contract making his departure a viable option for either party.

However, after West Brom Live shared this report on Twitter, fans of the Baggies flocked to have their say on the matter, with many making it abundantly clear they want to see the back of Allardyce at the end of the season.

So, what exactly did these West Bromwich Albion fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Sam Allardyce’s future?

“Hopefully go, but the whole club needs change from the owners down to a vast majority of the playing staff too.”

@Matthill821

“Arrivederci.”

@grahamlangford2

“Get rid. Can’t be watching his style of play next season.”

@ells89

“Was a stay but now a go.”

@bluntroger

“Go. Yesterday’s man.”

@hoare_neil

“Go.”

@sparkyhimself

In other news: these WBA fans unleashed their fury at “pathetic” stars following John Percy’s report – find out more here!

Juan Mata’s time at Manchester United could soon be coming to an end.

The Spaniard, signed by David Moyes from Chelsea in 2014, is out of contract the end of the season. Despite there reportedly being an option in his deal for the Red Devils to extend his stay at Old Trafford, that is something that they should avoid and thus, they should bring his seven-year stint at the club to an end.

Mata, a reliable servant for the Red Devils in that time, is now not the player he once was.

Now at the age of 32, he has fallen down the pecking order considerably for a midfield berth. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba are all likely to be picked ahead of the former Valencia man – and this is indicated in Mata’s opportunities this season, with him having only made eight starts in 2020/21, just four of those coming in the Premier League.

As a matter of fact, the midfielder has only completed 90 minutes on three occasions, highlighting how somewhat obsolete in the squad he has become.

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In his time on the pitch, Mata’s numbers are actually the lowest that they have ever been. He only has two goals and three assists in all competitions this season, making 2020/21 the least productive season of his career.

The 41-cap Spanish international is now only averaging 0.8 shots and just over one key pass per game according to WhoScored which again are amongst some of the lowest numbers of his career.

Despite being previously hailed as “class” by fellow United midfielder Scott McTominay, the fact that Mata is no longer contributing is certainly a problem considering that he is earning £160k per week at Old Trafford.

With there no longer appearing to be a space in the squad for him, it is now time to bring Mata’s chapter at Manchester United to a close.

AND in more news, take a look at which United star has picked up a gutting injury whilst on international duty…

أبدى الدولي المغربي السابق مصطفى الحداوي، اندهاشه من هجوم روجيه ميلا نجم منتخب الكاميرون السابق على المغرب ومصر، بسبب بطولة أمم إفريقيا.

وكان روجيه ميلا قد شن هجوما عنيفا على مصر والمغرب، مُشددا على إنهما ساندا الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم “فيفا”، لمحاولة عرقلة تنظيم بطولة أمم إفريقيا التي تنطلق منافساتها، اليوم الأحد، بالكاميرون. (طالع تصريحات ميلا المثيرة للجدل من هنــــــا)

وردا على هذا التصريح أكد الحداوي في تصريح لـ صحيفة “هسبورت” المغربية، أن ميلا، سبق له زيارة المغرب في أكثر من مناسبة، وكان يتلقى ترحيبا كبيرا به من طرف المغاربة.

واندهش الحداوي من تصريحات ميلا، مُشددا على أن الأخير لم يُساند صامويل إيتو في انتخابات الاتحاد الكاميروني لكرة القدم، وأن هذا الأمر كان الأجدر أن يجعله يبتعد عن هذه التصريحات.

طالع أيضا.. مدرب المغرب: أعلم أننا سنفوز بلقب كأس أمم إفريقيا.. والوضع في الكاميرون معقد

وأكد لاعب أسود الأطلسي السابق أنه كان مساندا لـ صامويل إيتو وللكاميرون من أجل تنظيم “الكان”.

واختتم تصريحاته بأن المغرب في خدمة إفريقيا و”الكاف”، والدليل على ذلك أنه سبق له أن احتضن العديد من مباريات إقصائيات كأس العالم الخاصة بالمنطقة الإفريقية، ونجح في ذلك، لافتا إلى أن بلده رائدة في إفريقيا.

Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning volley to rescue a point for Manchester United against West Brom but that wasn’t enough to stop them from slipping further behind their arch-rivals Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw at West Brom on Sunday and despite moving back above Leicester City into second place on goal difference alone, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are now seven points behind the league leaders, who also have a game in-hand.

However, that should take nothing away from the performance of Fernandes, who was Solskjaer’s one shining light against Sam Allardyce’s side.

The Portuguese midfielder came off the bench in the second half to help United to seal a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals in the midweek win at home to West Ham, and he was on top form once again at the Hawthorns.

Not to be outdone by the likes of Connor Gallagher and Mbaye Diagne, it took another moment of magic from Fernandes to level the score after he met Luke Shaw’s cross with his weaker left foot.

As per SofaScore, the 26-year-old earned an impressive 7.9 match rating for his theatrics, that being the best of any midfielder – including his teammate Scott McTominay – and indeed any player on either side on Sunday.

During the full 90′ minutes, Fernandes, who is currently valued at £81m via Transfermarkt, would take 102 touches of the ball, which was significantly more than McTominay, who could only manage 81 despite playing in a deep-lying midfield position.

He always looked to get his foot on the ball and try and make things happen, and towards the end of the game, could be seen picking it up close to the half-way line and trying to spot passes and runners from deep.

It was no surprise then that the Portugal international also successfully completed eight long balls from nine attempts against the Baggies as he tried to exploit gaps in their defence, which was far greater than his season’s average of 3.9 per 90 in the Premier League – it pointed to his desire to try and get the home side moving from side to side and trying to upset their defensive valance.

However, what was perhaps most impressive was his three shots on target, which was more than any other player on the pitch, as he proved to be United’s hero once again.

Therefore, despite the disappointing result, it certainly wasn’t for lack of trying, as Fernandes showed he is a cut above from the rest of the pack. It’s just a shame none of his teammates were able to match his determination and energy.

AND in other Man Utd news, Manchester United suffer fresh Paul Pogba injury setback before trip to West Brom…

According to journalist Armando Napoletano, speaking to Calcio Napoli 24 Live via Napoli Magazine, West Ham United are eyeing Spezia Calcio striker M’Bala Nzola along with Newcastle United and Fulham – with the reporter then claiming he is ‘destined to leave’ Liguria. 

Nzola, who has impressed for the Serie A relegation battlers since their Italian play-off promotion win, scoring nine goals in 13 top flight appearances (Transfermarkt), is now apparently back on the Hammers’ radar after reports claimed GSB made contact at the end of December (Corriere dello Sport).

West Ham eyeing Nzola

Indeed, reporter Napoletano has shared an update on West Ham’s interest in the 24-year-old – claiming they are still very much keeping tabs alongside fellow Premier League clubs.

Nzola has been one of the shining lights for Spezia since their promotion, but Napoletano has shared a grim outlook for the club as he says that the forward is ‘destined to leave’.

He also states, depending on the ‘technical result’, the Italian side will change a lot in the summer – with Nzola touted as one their main assets to inevitably depart, especially if they get relegated.

Even though he doesn’t make it clear whether or not an exit could happen in January, Napoletano does explain that West Ham and GSB are eyeing Nzola.

Transfer Tavern take

Spezia coach Vincenzo Italiano, via TUTTOCALCIOnews, likened him to a Didier Drogba recently – potentially evidence as to why the Hammers and David Moyes are reportedly keen.

Metropolitan Magazine also lavished the forward with praise, drawing particular attention to his ‘enviable’ physical strength and speed.

Time will tell whether West Ham do swoop for Nzola, but their interest appears to be have remained since December.

In other news: West Ham fans buzzed over this ‘huge news’, find out more here.

Sheffield Wednesday are once again on the hunt for a new manager after Tony Pulis’ shock sacking earlier this week and a number of interesting names have been linked with the newly-vacant Owls role…

What’s the word?

One of which is former Bayern Munich midfielder Thorsten Fink, who won a Champions League title during his time at the Bundesliga giants.

The 53-year-old is currently out-of-work after leaving Japanese Super Cup winners Vissel Kobe in September, citing a desire to return to Europe.

According to the Sheffield Star, Fink is thought to be on chairman Dejphon Chansiri’s radar, whilst they also claim that the German would welcome a chance to manage in England.

Another Carvalhal?

Speaking to reporters this morning, the Thai businessman revealed that he wouldn’t shirk away from a foreign appointment, and it’s easy to see why as the only manager to bring success to Hillsborough under his tenure has been Carlos Carvalhal.

Yes, there was the abomination under Jos Luhukay, but the Portuguese boss is a good blueprint to replicate this time after failures from Steve Bruce, Garry Monk and Tony Pulis.

Prior to his appointment in south Yorkshire, Carvalhal had never managed in England but had taken control of Sporting Lisbon and Besiktas, who are both top-flight teams.

Fink has won titles at Basel, also nearly guiding them to an impressive win over Man Utd in the UCL but for Ashley Young’s 90th-minute equaliser back in 2011.

He’s also fresh off a stint managing the likes of Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Lukas Podolski, leading Vissel Kobe to their first-ever trophies.

Former Bayern star Bastian Schweinsteiger once claimed Fink could one day return to manage the Bundesliga champions, he added:

“[Even as a player] he taught us a lot about discipline, positioning and tactics. It was clear to all of us that he would one day become a coach.

“I am convinced that Thorsten would make a very good coach of Bayern. He has the necessary mentality and self-confidence. At Basel, he has proven he can handle the pressure of managing a title favourite.”

It may well be a rather left-field appointment, but desperate measures are needed with the Owls staring down the barrel at relegation to League One.

No manager has even gotten close to the fourth-place finish under Carvalhal, in fact, their best final position since was 12th under Bruce.

It’s certainly a roll of the dice, but Chansiri has had success doing it this way before.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday must avoid hiring “desperate” unemployed man as their next manager…

It’s safe to say that the past few weeks haven’t been the best period of Roy Hodgson’s managerial career. A few weeks ago we were tipping Crystal Palace for a top ten push but they’ve now failed to win their past five games in the Premier League.

Defeat to Leicester City would’ve surely been out of the question before kick-off but a draw will have gone some way towards restoring order at Selhurst Park.

Palace kept the Foxes at bay for the most part but they failed to create many chances at the other end of the pitch despite Wilfried Zaha opening the scoring as Christian Benteke cut a frustrated figure.

The Eagles arguably struggled upfront and with Benteke leading the line, it’s perhaps hardly surprising as he was largely starved of possession of the ball. His fifth start of the season could be his last for quite some time after that showing.

Benteke has oft been criticised for his poor situational awareness, or indeed a lack of any movement at all, and this was yet another performance where he went completely missing.

Indeed, he looked totally isolated at the top of the pitch, so it’s a bit baffling he played the full 90′ minutes while Michy Batshuayi sat on the bench.

The 30-year-old seemed to have shown flashes of his former self after he scored twice against West Bromwich Albion but he failed to record a single shot on target or register a single assist throughout the entire game.

Only very rarely did he venture into the box or inject a burst of energy with his heatmap showing a lack of activity in the opposition half. This is further backed up by the fact he only won three of his eight ground duels and completed just seven out of his 24 passes at a pass accuracy rating of 29%, via SofaScore.

He was caught napping by Leicester multiple times, losing possession of the ball a staggering 24 times in total and was dribbled past once. If Batshuayi had started, at the very least they would’ve had some pace upfront.

Benteke has had to bide his time for his chances but he’s largely failed to make the most of his opportunities, which is why Hodgson must consider other options before Palace face Premier League strugglers Sheffield United on Saturday.

AND in other news, Lightweight: Crystal Palace defender Cheikhou Kouyate was shocking vs Aston Villa…