Hartson: Celts still big draw

JOHN HARTSON insists big-name managers will be queuing up to be the next Celtic boss.

Parkhead chairman John Reid revealed after Sunday's 2-1 win over Hearts that the search for a new manager is officially under way. After finishing his tenure as interim boss in Gorgie with his eighth-consecutive Clydesdale Bank Premier League win, Neil Lennon must wait to see if he will be given the job permanently.

But former Hoops striker Hartson believes the Celtic board will have plenty of options. "I don't think it will be difficult for Celtic to attract a big name as their manager," he said. "Celtic, like Rangers, are a giant of a club. It is great to be a part of a football team like this and there are plenty of big names that will come and manage Celtic.

"This is still absolutely a big pull for football managers as they are one of the biggest clubs in the world."

However, Hartson is firmly in the camp of former team-mate Lennon.

He said: "They will only pass him up for it on his lack of experience. There is no way they can judge him on results as they have been nothing but spectacular.

He had to narrow the gap behind Rangers, which he did, to six points. Neil gets my vote."