Managers react to Deila’s imminent departure

Robbie Neilson and Mark Warburton expressed their sympathy at the news that Ronny Deila will depart Celtic at the end of this season.

Deila announced recently that he is to step down from the Celtic job at the end of the season, citing the lack of development in the team was the reason he felt he had to leave.

A new manager will take over the reigns off the back of a bitterly disappointing penalty shoot-out defeat to Championship side Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Mark Warburton was the opposing manager for Sunday’s game, and has spoken about the barrage of criticism directed at Deila and gave his reasons why he thinks the Norwegian is leaving.

Speaking to SkySports, the Rangers boss said:

I don’t think for one second that one game (Scottish Cup semi-final) was the cause of Ronny leaving Celtic.

I’ve seen what’s happened over the last six to 10 months, the media comments and everything else. I don’t think the result would have helped him, obviously, but I was disappointed to see that.

I only met Ronny once and he came across as a gentleman, very knowledgeable about football and I liked talking to him.

I just said last week that I don’t think anyone deserves some of the criticism that he has received from certain individuals. I think that is inappropriate.

Robbie Neilson, the current manager of Hearts, has also expressed his disappointment at Deila’s exit from Celtic at the end of the season.

Hearts and Celtic will meet for a final time this season at Tynecastle next weekend, where both managers will be looking for a win over their counterpart.

Speaking to STV, Neilson said:

It’s always disappointing to see a manager lose their job.

Ronny came in and won two titles but these things happen in football and he’s decided to move on.

I’ve no doubt he’ll pick up a good team and be back doing well again.

No new manager has been named yet, but David Moyes and Roy Keane have been named amongst the front-runners to take over at Paradise this summer.