Boloni emerges as Celtic's 'Plan B'

Published on Wednesday 10 June 2009 22:43

CELTIC'S protracted bid to speak to Tony Mowbray over their managerial vacancy took a new twist last night after Standard Liege coach Laszlo Boloni's hat was thrown into the ring as a possible contender.

The Parkhead side appear to still be in stalemate with West Bromwich Albion chief Jeremy Peace over compensation for the former Celtic player.

And reports in Belgium yesterday claim Standard Liege coach Boloni, who last month guided his side to their first league title in 25 years, has been lined up as a possible Plan B.

The experienced Romanian coach already has stints at Sporting Lisbon and Monaco on his CV. And Boloni also has an offer from Turkish club Genclerbirligi waiting in the wings should Celtic win their drawn-out battle for Mowbray's services.

The 56-year-old's contract expires at the end of this month meaning, unlike the West Brom manager, they could not be asked for substantial compensation.

Standard vice-president, Luciano D'Onofrio, last night revealed he fears his manager could be lured away. He said: "We had a good meeting with Laszlo, but he has offers from other clubs, too."

The former Steaua Bucharest star won 108 caps for his country before embarking on a long and varied management career. As well as stints in France and Portugal, Boloni has coached in the United Arab Emirates and bossed the Romanian national team. Boloni is now deciding whether to remain in Belgium or take his management career in another direction.

West Brom are still waiting to discover whether Celtic will meet their compensation demands for Mowbray. The Championship club are adamant that the compensation clause in Mowbray's current contract – which has two years remaining – is legally binding. Albion's viewpoint remains that the ball is firmly in Celtic's court and they must pay the full amount of compensation.

Aberdeen, meanwhile, also had no announcements to make as they attempt to lure Mark McGhee to Pittodrie to replace Jimmy Calderwood, who quit the club at the end of the season.

The Motherwell manager has held extensive talks with Aberdeen's director of football Willie Miller but a deal has yet to be finalised.

If McGhee is tempted away from Fir Park, former Motherwell player Paul Lambert – now in charge of Colchester United – has insisted he will not be applying for the vacancy. Motherwell chairman John Boyle has put together a list of possible replacements and Lambert would have proved a popular choice with the supporters.

However, the 39-year-old, who spent three years with the SPL club before he left for Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in 1996, has quashed any suggestions of a return to Scotland.

Lambert said: "It's very flattering being linked with the Motherwell job, but I'm happy at Colchester and that's where my future lies. I love it down here and the club is fantastic. My chairman has been terrific with me and I'm excited about next season, being in England and gaining the experience down here."