Celtic's Managerial Search Spreads Far And Wide

From McGhee To Moyes, Mowbray To Martinez

Celtic's search for a replacement for Gordon Strachan has spread far and wide, reaching from Motherwell to the Premier League and even the Coca Cola Championship, south of the border.

Strachan himself is said to have recommended Motherwell's Mark McGhee but the club has remained coy, saying only that they would not be rushed into a choice, but instead that "It is better to get this right rather than be rushed."

Rumours initially pointed to Burnley's boss Owen Coyle as a prospective replacement, but he is reported to be close to signing an extention at Turf Moor after leading the club successfully to the Premier League this past season.

Next up was West Bromwich Albion's Tony Mowbray, but Celtic was warned off in no uncertain terms, despite their relegation to the Championship.

"We have already made our position very clear on this situation and it has not changed," said a statement from the Midlands-based club.

"We have not received an approach from Celtic for Tony Mowbray - nor would we welcome one. Tony is under contract for the next two years and we fully expect him to remain as our manager."

Everton manager David Moyes quickly removed himself from contention, obviously content to build upon his successes at the Toffees.

On Monday it was revealed that Celtic had officially approached Swansea City, in the hopes that they could talk to manager Roberto Martinez about the vacant position.

Swansea's Chairman Huw Jenkins told BBC Sport that he "had a call off their chief executive [Peter Lawwell] making me aware that they'd like to talk to Roberto."

"Like I've always done I refused that until I've spoken to Roberto myself and talked things through," he continued.

Martinez is highly thought of in England, having seen to the promotion of the The Swans from League One last season and almost getting them to the Championship play-offs this season, the club finishing in eighth place.