Source: Team_Talk
Baxter looks right for Hoops - Smith
Scottish football veteran Alex Smith believes appointing Stuart Baxter to a director of football-style role at Celtic could be a great idea.[LNB] Smith believes Baxter's lack of coaching experience in the country would not necessarily be an obstacle.[LNB]The Finland coach has reportedly been identified as the man to mentor Neil Lennon if the interim Hoops boss lands the job on a permanent basis.[LNB]Despite often being linked with jobs north of the border, he has no experience of coaching in Scotland but does boast a varied CV with spells in Sweden, Norway, Japan and South Africa.[LNB]Baxter - who is English-born and was raised in Scotland - has been manager of the Finnish national side since 2008.[LNB]Smith said: "He has been working in football for a long time as a coach and manager, although I've never met him.[LNB]"Like everyone else, I've just seen his history and that he has worked abroad the whole time.[LNB]"He has not worked in Scotland - but that doesn't mean to say he is not good at his job."[LNB]Smith believes Lennon would benefit from having an experienced coach working alongside him at Celtic - but insists he must also be given his place as manager.[LNB]The 70-year-old works as assistant manager and first team coach to Steven Pressley at Falkirk and believes the combination of veteran and rookie works well.[LNB]But he says a similar partnership will only work at Celtic if Lennon - like Pressley - is allowed to fulfil his role as manager and make the key decisions.[LNB]"Whoever goes in has to realise that Neil is there in his own right as the manager," said Smith.[LNB]"If Celtic decide he is to be the manager, then he has to be seen to be the manager.[LNB]"Whoever goes in to work with him is there to lend his support, offer advice and anything else he has to offer - but it's got to be understood that Neil is the man where the buck stops."[LNB]The former St Mirren, Aberdeen and Dundee United manager added: "I don't know how the roles are going to be set out at Celtic.[LNB]"Knowing Neil Lennon, I think he will manage all first team affairs and he will be in charge of the coaching, team selection and, certainly, recommending all the signings and players.[LNB]"I don't know what role Stuart Baxter will be asked to do there."
