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Celtic to make "decision" over new manager in the summer

Celtic chairman Ian Bankier says that the club will not consider appointing Ronny Deila's replacement until the summer.

Celtic chairman Ian Bankier has claimed that the club will not consider appointing a new manager until Ronny Deila officially vacates his post at the end of the season.

The Norwegian announced on Wednesday that he will leave the Scottish giants in the summer.

Deila, who took charge in 2014, has faced criticism following his side's poor showing in both the Champions League and Europa League this season.

The club are on course to win their fifth consecutive Scottish league title, but it seems as though last weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Rangers was the final straw for Deila.

Despite getting a jump on the hunt for a new manager, the club have opted to wait until the summer.

A statement from Bankier via the club's official website read: "I would like to thank Ronny for his contribution to the club and, on behalf of the Celtic board, give him our best wishes for the future in everything he does. Ronny is a fine man with strong values of honesty and integrity. He has had some success, which we have enjoyed, and I know all our fans will back Ronny and the players as he looks to bring us more success in the shape of a second League title.

"We are all Celtic supporters and we all know that there can be disappointments in football, but I know Ronny is a man who has given his very best to the job and someone who will always care passionately about the club. The club, as always, will give Ronny our full support until the end of the season. We will then make a decision regarding our next manager with the objective of remaining Scotland's pre-eminent club. I thank Ronny and once again wish him well for the future."

Chief executive Peter Lawwell added: "Ronny has given everything to Celtic during the past two years and we thank him for his contribution to the club. He is a man of real humility, someone of tremendous character, and I personally wish him nothing but success for the future.

"In the immediate future that means the Scottish Premiership title. Ronny has won it already once before and I know everyone at the club and our supporters will be right behind him and the team as he aims to do it again and make it five-in-a-row for Celtic.

"This is what we all must do now as supporters and together focus fully on achieving another title victory. If we achieve this we will aim to build again next season and make it many more. I would like to take this chance to thank our fans for all they have given the club this year. Celtic has been the dominant club in Scotland for many years and I can assure our supporters we will do everything we can to ensure that Celtic continues to be the biggest and best in Scottish football and meets every challenge which lies ahead."

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has confirmed his interest in returning to the club as manager.

Former Everton and Manchester United boss David Moyes is also an early contender with the bookmakers.

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon on the touchline against AC Milan during the Champions League group match on September 18, 2013
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