Celtic make a move for Mowbray

Published on Tuesday 9 June 2009 10:06

WEST BROM are still hopeful of holding on to manager Tony Mowbray despite confirming an approach from Celtic.

Chairman Jeremy Peace yesterday revealed the Glasgow club had been in touch as they stepped up their search for a successor to Gordon Strachan.

A move to Parkhead is likely to be appealing to former Hibs boss Mowbray, who spent four years with the Hoops during his playing career and enjoyed great success in his two-year spell as Easter Road manager before joining Albion in 2006.

However, the 45-year-old appealed for loyalty from his players following their relegation from the Barclays Premier League last month and Peace is hoping Mowbray will show that same commitment.

"After two weeks of speculation, I have finally received a call from Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell, requesting permission to speak to Tony," said Peace.

"I made it absolutely clear that Celtic's approach was not welcome, because we have an ongoing project at Albion in which Tony is an integral part."

Peace confirmed there is a compensation clause in Mowbray's contract, which is believed to be 2 million.

"We inserted a compensation fee when Tony signed a new contract 16 months ago to ensure the club would be suitably recompensed in the event of any other club seeking his services," continued Peace.

"Most people would regard it as a fair figure. It was inserted in the contract in good faith and is non-negotiable, because we don't want to lose our manager.

"Celtic have been made aware of the compensation figure, and if they agree to pay this, only then will I speak to Tony to get his thoughts on the situation.

"Until, and unless, that happens, as far as we are concerned it is business as usual as we plan for a very important season ahead of us. We hope this is the end of the matter, as we do not need any further, unwelcome distractions from the job in hand."

Peace is aware of the crucial role Mowbray will have as Albion try to regain their Premier League status at the first attempt.

"Tony's style of play is a key factor in that project, and the supporters have very much bought into it," he said.

"You could see that by the terrific reception the fans gave Tony and the players after our final home game against Liverpool. It is also reflected by the fact we have already sold more than 16,000 season tickets for next season."

Celtic refused to be drawn on the approach for Mowbray . A spokesperson said: "The process of appointing our new manager is ongoing. The club will continue to work to ensure that it gets the right man for the job."

Meanwhile, Derek Young believes Mark McGhee should be Aberdeen's new manager because of his management CV – not his history with the club.

McGhee looks set to land the job after Aberdeen received permission from Motherwell to hold talks with the Fir Park boss.

The 52-year-old was also in the frame to replace Strachan at Celtic but looks bound for another of his former clubs instead.

He spent six years at Pittodrie and was part of the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup side.

But Young insists McGhee should be judged as a manager, not as a player. "Things like that shouldn't come into it," said the Dons midfielder. "It should be about getting the right manager for the job.

"It just so happens that he is a legend in Aberdeen and that will help get the fans on his side. It was harder for Jimmy Calderwood with the Rangers background.

"It'll be good and I'm looking forward to it."

Director of football Willie Miller revealed talks to bring McGhee to Aberdeen have been "extremely encouraging".

However, he cautioned that there was still work to be done before the appointment is a done deal.

"We have made contact with the Fir Park club and were given permission to approach Mark," he said.

"While subsequent discussions have been extremely encouraging, I've been involved in the game far too long not to realise there are many pitfalls that can affect things at this crucial stage, not least of which is the agreement of compensation between Motherwell and ourselves."