Source: Team_Talk
McManus: GS a hard act to follow
Parkhead chief executive Peter Lawwell has targeted West Brom boss Mowbray as a replacement for Strachan, who departed three weeks ago after Old Firm rivals Rangers captured their first title in four years.
While Mowbray, a former Celtic defender, appears to be the frontrunner, Celtic have also been linked with the likes of Owen Coyle and Mark McGhee in recent weeks.
However McManus, speaking at Celtic Park where he was modelling the club's new international strip, believes that whoever is next in to the Parkhead hotseat has his hands full in replicating the success of Strachan, who won three SPL titles and three cups in his four years in the east end of Glasgow.
"We are in the exact same position as when Martin O'Neill left (in 2005)," McManus said. "We have lost the league and so it is a massive task for whoever follows. Look at the success Martin O'Neill had.
"Then Gordon Strachan came in and nobody imagined that he would get the success that he did.
"But he matched Martin and maybe done a bit more considering the players were not the same stature and calibre as Martin O'Neill used.
"So we have nothing but praise for the previous manager, he was first class.
"And the players he has left behind are at a good age, they are in their early to mid-twenties which is great.
"There is nobody over 30 who maybe has their best years behind them.
"So whoever comes in will be working with a good bunch of players although no doubt the new manager will be looking to strengthen the squad in every department.
"But whoever comes in will give the place a lift."
While Hoops fans grow increasingly anxious about the identity of their new manager, McManus insists the Celtic players are unconcerned about the Parkhead board's delay in appointing a
boss.
The Scotland defender, who confirmed he would miss the start of the season as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, claims the players are letting things unfold as they take a summer break.
He said: "None of us are really that bothered about it.
"Obviously you want to know who the new manager is but at this stage you want to get your feet up and recharge your batteries for the new season.
"It was a long hard season and you like to take the whole of June for your holidays so none of the players are concerned
whatsoever.
"There have been a few names that have caught the eye but it is still early days.
"The good thing is the names that have been mentioned are all good managers and ones that you would look forward to working with.
"But the players are not losing any sleep over it."
McManus refuses to buy in to the belief that Celtic fans are overly concerned about their new manager's footballing philosophy.
Strachan's success was tempered by criticism from a section of the Hoops' support about his side's playing style.
However, McManus believes the Parkhead faithful are ultimately after success by any means available.
"If you ask anybody, especially here, it's about winning," the Scotland defender said. "As we know, the previous manager wasn't the most popular with every Celtic fan but that sometimes happens.
"Every Celtic fan would like flowing football which is fast and attacking.
"However, you can play the best football in the world but if you don't win then it means nothing. You wouldn't take it ahead of winning leagues and winning cups. But if you can have the two of them hand in hand, then great."
