Celtic: Steve Clarke betting odds slashed in next manager race twist
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Credit: Imago Wed 25 March 2026 8:07, UK Celtic could be set to appoint Scotland manager Steve Clarke after the World Cup this summer, after the bookies slashed his odds of getting the job dramatically.Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has been strongly considered the favourite to take over at Parkhead this summer, amid an impressive debut season in Scotland.But the likes of Roberto Martinez and Robbie Keane remain in the conversation, with a decision likely to be made after the World Cup.The Hoops have already had three managers this season, with Martin O’Neill filling in as an interim boss after the departures of both Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy.Celtic’s next manager must be the right choice, with fan frustration towards the board boiling over this season. 👔 Celtic Manager News 👔 Get the inside track on the Parkhead dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates, live betting market shifts, and key boardroom decisions. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Steve Clarke in sudden Celtic raceFootball Insider exclusively revealed in January that Clarke is on Celtic’s list of potential next managers ahead of this summer.The 62-year-old’s last role in club football was with Kilmarnock, where he managed between 2017 and 2019 before he was poached by Scotland.Steve ClarkeKilmarnockWins40Draws20Losses19Scored115Conceded83Leading the nation he was capped six times by as a player, Clarke has guided his team to three major international tournaments.
The first, the 2020 European Championship, was the first Scotland had appeared in since 1998, but it ended with disappointment when they were knocked out at the group stage.The second also came at the Euros, with the Tartan Army again knocked out at the group stage, despite having secured several famous wins, including against eventual winners, Spain, at the qualifying stage.Clarke will hope that the third can mark a more successful tournament for his side, with Scotland set to appear in their first World Cup since 1998 this summer.The 62-year-old could then be set to return to club football, with one major bookmaker slashing his odds of taking over Celtic to 8/1, while Askou continues to lead the race at 3/1.What Clarke has said about returning to club footballClarke has already admitted that he is likely to want to return to club management after the World Cup this summer.The Scot’s time at Kilmarnock was highly impressive, and the prospect of lifting trophies as a manager must be alluring. The Scottish FA have to think a little bit about what’s next for them, too,” he said when asked about his future in March.“Do they think I’m the guy who can go forward and progress the squad into the next tournament and set us up for a further World Cup in four years’ time?
That’s what they have to decide.“I just have to wait and see about any club jobs, if anyone approaches me between now and the end of the season. Then I’ll have a decision to make.