Martin O’Neill Admits He’d “Love” Permanent Celtic Job but Doesn’t Expect an Offer
Celtic legend Martin O’Neill has confessed he would love the chance to manage the Hoops on a permanent basis — but admits he doesn’t believe the club will offer him the role.
The 73-year-old Parkhead hero, who led Celtic to domestic and European success between 2000 and 2005, is currently serving as interim boss following Brendan Rodgers’ surprise departure earlier this week. Since stepping in, O’Neill has helped steady the ship, overseeing back-to-back victories against Falkirk and Rangers — the latter a dramatic Premier Sports Cup semi-final win at Hampden Park.
O’Neill, speaking after the game, reflected on his brief return to the dugout and the joy of leading Celtic once again, but was quick to downplay expectations that his role might be extended.
“Well, I don’t think there’ll be that conversation,” he said when asked if he expected to discuss the job full-time. “I genuinely don’t think that would be the case. I’ve come in, and deep down I’ve probably enjoyed it a bit more than I’m admitting — but not a lot.”
The veteran coach was full of praise for his backroom team, which includes former Celtic players Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, and Stephen McManus — all of whom O’Neill managed during his first spell at the club.
“I’ve had enormous help from my staff,” he added. “Young Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham, and big Stephen McManus — all three that I managed at one stage or another. Now they’re beside me in the coaching ranks. It’s lovely. It’s a great feeling in the dressing room when you’ve won a game like that.”
Despite his modesty, O’Neill didn’t hide the fact that he’d welcome a conversation with Celtic’s major shareholder Dermot Desmond about the prospect of staying on longer.
“The answer — the obvious one — would be yes, I would,” he admitted. “But I genuinely don’t know what to expect. I haven’t spoken to him since taking charge. When I looked at the fixtures and saw the international break coming, I thought they’d have a couple of weeks to think about it.”
O’Neill, who remains a beloved figure among the Celtic faithful, guided the club to three league titles, three Scottish Cups, and a UEFA Cup Final during his first spell in charge. Now, nearly two decades later, his short return has reignited the affection and nostalgia many fans still hold for his leadership — even if he remains unsure whether the board will hand him the reins permanently.
“In a perverse sort of way,” he concluded with a smile, “I’ve kind of enjoyed these two games — but not a lot.”
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