No Collins Return As He’s Named Celts No.2

Celtic today confirmed John Collins as assistant to Ronny Delia, effectively ruling him out of a return to Easter Road as Hibs boss.

Collins had been linked with a return to the Hibees as a replacement for Terry Butcher who was relieved of his duties last week.

The former Hibs boss left the club under a cloud in 2008 after a reported clash with Rod Petrie over transfer budgets but press reports had suggested he was keen on a return if certain assurances regarding Petrie’s involvement were met.

JC was the last manager of the Easter Road side to bring success to the club when he led the Leith side to Scottish League Cup glory in March 2007.

Mark Venus, another man with close ties to the club, is currently the bookies favourite to take charge with SkyBet offering him at 6/4 with Motherwell manager Stuart McCall now second favourite at 7/4 ahead of Ian Murray who is priced at 10/3.