Next Celtic Manager Betting Odds: Askou Favourite If O’Neill Steps Down
by 3 minutes read /
What a turnaround. After Wilfried Nancy’s catastrophic 33-day reign threatened to derail the season, the Celtic board turned to a familiar face, and Martin O’Neill duly delivered. The 73-year-old (he turns 74 this year) has steered the Hoops home to another Premiership title, vindicating the decision to bring him back. But with his age starting to count and his contract a short-term fix, the bookies have wasted no time pricing up the man who’ll take over when O’Neill eventually calls time.
Latest Betting Odds
The betting sites have responded by elevating Celtic’s own assistant boss, Jens Berthel Askou, to favourite, with Robbie Keane and Roberto Martinez next in line. The market reflects a club fully aware that O’Neill’s swansong cannot last forever, but also that no announcement has yet been made. The Northern Irishman himself has remained coy on the future, and the title-winning glow could yet persuade him to stay another year.
Whether the next move comes this summer or next, here are the names being lined up to inherit the Parkhead hot seat.
| Name | Odds | Recommended Betting Site | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jens Berthel Askou | 3/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Robbie Keane | 4/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Roberto Martinez | 6/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Thomas Frank | 16/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Oliver Glasner | 20/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Shaun Maloney | 20/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Ange Postecoglou | 20/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Steve Clarke | 20/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Kieran McKenna | 20/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
| Craig Bellamy | 20/1 | bet365 | Visit Site |
*Odds accurate at time of writing [19th May 2026]
Jens Berthel Askou – 3/1
The Dane has been the constant through the most turbulent year in recent Celtic memory: surviving Nancy’s chaos, working under O’Neill’s restoration, and helping deliver a title nobody saw coming back in November. The bookies clearly believe the board will reward that continuity.
At 3/1, Askou is favourite without being prohibitive, which reflects the genuine uncertainty: he carries no head-coach pedigree of his own, and the appetite at Parkhead for an internal promotion versus a marquee signing remains the great unknown.
Robbie Keane – 4/1
Keane has been linked with the Celtic job almost annually for the best part of a decade, and at 4/1 the market once again has him in serious contention. His coaching CV has steadily grown, most recently in Hungary with Ferencvaros, and Celtic supporters would warm quickly to the passion he’d bring.
The case against is the one that always lingers: he has not yet managed at the level required by Celtic’s European ambitions. If the board want a step up rather than a steady hand, Keane fits a narrower window than his odds suggest.
Roberto Martinez – 6/1
A genuinely new entrant to the market, Roberto Martinez at 6/1 represents the “elite international experience” candidate. Currently with Portugal and previously Belgium’s head coach, the Spaniard has the gravitas Celtic would seek for a return to deep Champions League runs.
The hurdle is obvious: convincing him to drop down from international football and back into a domestic week-to-week role. The odds suggest a credible link rather than a done deal.
Thomas Frank – 16/1
The Brentford boss has built one of the most admired projects in the Premier League, and at 16/1 he’s the outsider with the highest ceiling. Frank’s tactical flexibility and ability to develop players on a constrained budget would map cleanly onto the Celtic environment.
That said, with Premier League suitors circling whenever Brentford allow him to be tempted, the path to Parkhead looks narrow. Useful each-way appeal at the price, but no more than that.
The Outsiders
Behind the leading group, a cluster of six names sit together at 20/1: a mix of in-house options, returning club legends, and ambitious mid-tier coaches. The board’s eventual direction will come down to whether they prioritise continuity, romance, or reinvention.
Oliver Glasner – 20/1
The Crystal Palace boss with FA Cup pedigree and a proven big-game profile. A statement appointment if Celtic want a clean break from caretaker continuity.
Shaun Maloney – 20/1
The former Celtic forward turned Hibs manager. Hugely popular with the support and steeped in the club, but his managerial CV remains a work in progress.
Ange Postecoglou – 20/1
The man who first revived modern Celtic. A romantic option whose stock has dipped since his departure from Tottenham, and a return would be the ultimate “back to what works” appointment.
Steve Clarke – 20/1
The Scotland manager. Domestic knowledge unparalleled, and his international tenure has earned widespread respect. Question marks remain over whether he’d leave the national job mid-cycle.
Kieran McKenna – 20/1
The young Northern Irish coach has Ipswich punching above their weight and is courted by clubs across Britain. A modern, progressive option, but he is widely tipped to wait for a Premier League opportunity.
Craig Bellamy – 20/1
The Wales boss has impressed in his first international role and would bring an intensity that suits the Celtic dressing room. At 20/1 he’s drifted from his previous shorter prices, but remains firmly in the conversation.
