Ibrox Legend Reflects on Martin O’Neill’s Return and the Drama of Scottish Football
Rangers legend [the columnist’s name, likely Barry Ferguson or another ex-Rangers player] admits that seeing Martin O’Neill back in the Celtic dugout has stirred up plenty of old memories from his own playing days.
In his latest Record Sport column, he revealed:
“I’ll be at Hampden on Sunday afternoon, and part of me wishes I was taking my boots with me. Seeing Martin O’Neill walking back into Celtic’s technical area will bring back so many memories of facing his teams all those years ago. It’s crazy, isn’t it? Twenty years on, and he’s back where it all began. That’s what makes Scottish football so special.”
He added that while many in England might dismiss the Scottish game as lacking in quality compared to the Premier League, they can’t match its passion, unpredictability, and drama.
“The English might look down on us and say our league isn’t a patch on theirs, but when it comes to sheer emotion, storylines, and excitement, they don’t even come close,” he wrote.
The former Rangers captain pointed to the rollercoaster nature of recent months in Scottish football as proof — from his own unexpected spell as interim manager to Russell Martin’s short-lived tenure, Hearts’ rise to the top, and Brendan Rodgers’ shock exit from Celtic despite an incredible trophy haul. Then came Dermot Desmond’s surprise decision to turn back the clock and bring O’Neill out of retirement.
“You honestly couldn’t make it up,” he said. “I’m already counting down the hours to Sunday’s Old Firm semi-final. How could anyone not love the madness of it all?”
But while he’s relishing the occasion, he also issued a word of caution to Rangers boss Danny Röhl ahead of the clash.
“The one thing I’d say to Danny is never underestimate the man in the other dugout. Not that I think he will. Martin might be 73 now, but he’s still the same winner he always was. Don’t be fooled into thinking he’s just there to lend Celtic a hand — he’ll be desperate to get one over on Rangers again.”
He praised O’Neill’s tactical intelligence and insisted he’ll have a clear plan for the semi-final, before shifting focus back to his own club.
“That’s Celtic’s business. What matters to me is seeing Rangers back on their feet again and moving in the right direction. Danny has spoken about reconnecting the fans with the team, and that’s music to my ears. It shows he understands what this club is about.”
He credited Röhl for quickly finding a system that suits his players, emphasising that flexibility is what defines a good manager.
“These days, all you hear about are philosophies and signature styles, but I’ve never bought into that. The best managers adapt. Why stick rigidly to one system when everyone already knows how to play against it?”
The Rangers legend applauded how Röhl’s side switched formations and caught Hibs off guard in their recent win, dominating the first half with high intensity and sharp attacking play.
“They looked quick, hungry, and aggressive — exactly what a Rangers team should be,” he said. “Even when Hibs adjusted in the second half, I enjoyed watching us dig in. We may have lost some control, but I never once felt we were going to concede.”
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