Ex-manager tells Celtic to block Kennedy and Strachan exits amid 17 June reveal | OneFootball

Alex McLeish has insisted it is “very important” Celtic keep John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan ahead of Ange Postecoglou’s prospective appointment.

The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Bhoys need to stop the duo from leaving even if the new manager wants to appoint his own backroom staff.

As revealed by Football Insider last week (3rd June), Celtic have agreed compensation with Yokohama F. Marinos to buy Postecoglou out of his contract.

The Scottish Sun claim (9th June) he could be appointed in the next 48 hours but will have to isolate before taking training.

As such, it is said Kennedy and Strachan will kick off the Hoops’ pre-season preparations on June 17th.

McLeish admitted Postecoglou may look to bring his own backroom staff to Parkhead.

However, he insisted Kennedy and Strachan are valuable assets thanks to their knowledge and experience.

Asked if Postecoglou should keep the duo around, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Yeah, of course. The boys have been in there for a few years now.

“John Kennedy has been there a few years, Gavin Strachan a year. Guys that have come through the coaching system, the players will absolutely love them being on the field.

“Doing all the drills with the players, they’re great at that. It is very important for Celtic to hold onto these guys. Postecoglou might bring somebody close to him too.”

Kennedy took interim charge of Celtic following Neil Lennon’s departure earlier this year.

He won four, drew four and lost two games during his time in the dugout.

In other news, a Football Insider pundit has revealed what his sources are saying about Kristoffer Ajer quitting Celtic.