John Kennedy: It's all about the club and focus is on tonight's gameJOHN Kennedy came through the ranks at Celtic, a successful Academy graduate who made it all the way to the first-team. And even after his playing career came to a premature end, he remained at the club as he developed his coaching career. For the past two-and-a-half years, that has been as first-team coach. Now, he has stepped up as assistant manager, providing a level of continuity with the arrival of Neil Lennon to replace Brendan Rodgers as manager. That continuity has meant preparing the players for tonight’s Premiership match against Hearts at Tynecastle, and like Neil Lennon, John Kennedy was also keen to emphasise that the club is the priority and ensuring that the players who have delivered so much success in recent seasons remain focused on trying to continue that in the months ahead.
Speaking at Celtic Park today, John Kennedy said: “I’ve had a very good time here at Celtic and I have worked my way up to this point. Neil has asked me to be his assistant, and I’m delighted to do that. There is a lot of stability here behind the scenes.
“For me, I have a job to do and I work for Celtic, and our first order is Hearts tonight. Speaking to the players yesterday at training, we’re fully focused on the here and now, and the full focus is on the game tonight. The players know what we expect from them, and they know what the supporters expect.
“I spoke to Brendan before he departed Lennoxtown. In that time, I was approached by the club and asked to keep things ticking along and organise the team for Wednesday.
“Brendan has done a terrific job and things have happened, but the players have also done a terrific job. They, as a whole, have won two trebles.
“For me, the transition will be easy. When Neil was here, he was very successful, and when he was at Hibs, we found those games very difficult.
“Behind the scenes, Neil has come into this at a good time. In terms of planning, it doesn’t stop. The bigger picture is that it’s about the club, the club work in a certain manner, and Neil will put his own style on that.”
Damien Duff: First-team role is a massive honour for meCIRCUMSTANCES in football can change very quickly, and recent events have confirmed that again to Damien Duff. Just a few months ago, he was coaching Shamrock Rovers’ Under-15 side back home in Ireland. On Wednesday night, he was in the away dugout at Tynecastle as Celtic first-team coach. Having initially joined as part of the coaching set-up with the reserves, he was delighted to join Neil Lennon and John Kennedy in taking the first team following the managerial changes earlier this week. And speaking exclusively to Celtic TV, the former Republic of Ireland internationalist explained that he will provide whatever help is required as the Hoops chase further domestic honours this season.
“I’m ready for it,” he said. “I know the role and I know the club, and it’s a massive honour. Celtic is more than a club. Here, you’re fighting for more than that - you’re fighting for a cause as well. I know what the club means to fans. It means the same to me, so I’m ready.
“I understand the club and, Celtic Football Club aside, myself and football, I’m all about emotion and enthusiasm.
“There’s a bit of me that’s sad to see the back of the reserves for now. I felt like they were starting to really understand me and the way I work. The game against the Kilmarnock reserves is the best they’ve been, and for 70-80 minutes they were brilliant.
“What I’ve enjoyed up until now is improving young players. I feel I’m good at it, so I guess I’ll miss that side of it, but I’ll still be keeping an eye on them and helping them whenever I can.
“There were four or five of them training with the first team after the Hearts game. That’s what the club’s built on, bringing youth through so nothing’s going to change.
“It’s obviously a massive step up to the first team. There will be more quality and a quicker tempo, but I’ll just be helping the gaffer and John wherever I can. That’s what I’m here for.”
CelticTV - Exclusive Interview: New Celtic first team coach Damien Duff