Brendan Rodgers is adamant that Craig Levein’s expulsion might affect St Johnstone’s strategy against Celtic.
After losing 2-0 at Easter Road, the former Hearts manager was fired, capping a run of four straight losses. Levein’s number two, Andy Kirk, will assume interim leadership until owner Adam Webb appoints a new long-term manager.
The only management stints that Kirk has ever had are with Hearts Women in the 2020–2021 season and Brechin City, a Highland League team, in the 2021–2023 season, when Levein served as Technical Director. Last Saturday, he led his team to a 3-3 draw with Ross County in his debut game in interim charge.
With three minutes remaining in regular time, the Saints let a two goal lead slip away. Sadly for Kirk and company, Celtic has prevailed in their previous 14 trips to McDiarmid Park.
At the press conference regarding Levein’s termination yesterday, Rodgers stated, “I think it is shame for Craig, obviously.” He is a very seasoned manager who occasionally appears in the media and has had various positions, so it won’t come as a shock to him.
After all, no matter how successful you are, there are situations when an owner wakes up one morning and decides you are not to be the manager, and that means you are gone. You can only give it your all.
“Andy and the guys who are currently in place are obviously holding the fort and they will have the team ready for the game, so clearly, if there is a manager in place, you know their philosophy, their football ideas, and of course, that allows you to understand it better,” he continued. Peter Leven, Aberdeen’s number two, who led the Dons toward the conclusion of the last campaign, is the front-runner to take over permanently at St Johnstone.
It is anticipated that Saints would conclude their business the following week, appointing a manager before their trip to Ibrox before the international break.
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