June 1 is a date the Celtic fans had circled in their calendars for some time now in the hope it would be the start of a bright new era at the club.
They had visions of Eddie Howe being paraded at Parkhead with the Green & White hooped scarf high above his head.
But the first day of the new month came and went and didn’t bring any change to the managerial situation other than a fresh frontrunner in the shape of Australia boss Ange Postecoglou.
The 55-year-old is expected to be announced by the end of the week and finally the frustrated Celtic fans can start to look forward again and put a wretched last season firmly behind them.
But even if Postecoglou signs on the dotted line, he will still be playing catch-up to get his squad whipped into shape for the new season.
For a start the Greek-born boss will have to quarantine for 10 days when he arrives from Japan where he is currently boss of Yokohama F. Marinos.
And that could mean he only just makes it out of his hotel room in time for players returning to Lennoxtown for the first day of pre-season on June 17.
That will quickly be followed by huge Champions League qualifiers just a month later for which he’ll have to start a complete squad rebuild following last season’s shambolic campaign.
It’s hardly ideal preparation for a new boss coming in but here Record Sport Online looks at the date the last 10 Celtic bosses, appointed at the start of the season, were confirmed and how their first season went.
Brendan Rodgers - May 20
The box office appointment was confirmed on the eve of the Scottish Cup final between Rangers and Hibs and the former Liverpool boss was unveiled a couple of days later. Plenty of time to get down to work and despite that horror start against Lincoln Red Imps he qualified for the Champions League group stage and completed an unprecedented Invincible Treble.
Ronny Deila - June 6
The unknown Norwegian was a shock to many Celtic fans with the 38-year succeeding Neil Lennon. Struggled to meet the demands of the club, despite delivering the League Cup and league in his first season, after failing to reach the Champions League group stage but timing wasn’t a factor.
Tony Mowbray - June 16
Former Hoops defender was 16th permanent appointment in the club’s 121-year history. It took a while to get over the line with protracted negotiations with West Bromwich Albion but it was short-lived after that as he was shown the door after nine disastrous months.
Gordon Strachan - June 1
While the former Scotland and Aberdeen midfielder officially took over on June 1 it was announced that he would succeed Martin O’Neill on May 25. Strachan recovered from a disastrous Euro exit to Artmedia Bratislava to win the title in his first season.
Martin O’Neill - June 1
Northern Irishman was announced after days of deliberation and negotiations but it was all worth it as he won a domestic clean sweep in his first season.
John Barnes - June 10
The Liverpool legend was unveiled amid huge fanfare alongside Parkhead legend Kenny Dalglish as part of a so-called dream team but it ended in a nightmare with Barnes sacked just eight months and 29 games later.
Dr Jozef Venglos - July 17
The Slovak was appointed just FIVE DAYS before the first competitive game of the season which was a scoreless draw against St Patrick’s in a Champions League qualifier. The lack of preparation was surely a factor in that result and he lasted just one season.
Wim Jansen - July 3
The last Celtic manager to arrive from Japanese football and the Hoops legions will be hoping that is a good omen. Dutchman wasn’t given any hope with little time to prepare to go up against Walter Smith’s all-conquering Rangers but ended a decade-long wait for the title.
Tommy Burns - July 12
Fulfilled his dream of taking over the club he loved but it was in acrimonious circumstances he replaced Lou Macari, pitching up at Parkhead just 24 hours after his Rugby Park resignation. Won Scottish Cup in first season and closed gap on dominant Rangers.
Liam Brady - June 19
The Irishman was the first manager appointed who hadn’t previously played for the club, replacing the legendary Billy McNeill. Brady responded to an advert for the post which didn’t receive much of a response but his illustrious playing career couldn’t make up for his lack of managerial experience as he left at the start of his third season without winning a trophy.
