Celtic experienced it all last season, and Auston Trusty has offered an insight into Martin O’Neill’s methods in steering the club to further success.
Trusty played an integral role in guiding the Hoops to their fifth successive title, his second in Scotland, as the squad went through the motions to clinch a league and cup double.
It was so dramatic that the USA international believes a movie should be made to document their path from being down-and-out to champions again.
The defender made 41 appearances throughout the season, earning himself a call-up to the USA squad ahead of the World Cup on home soil this summer.
And Trusty, 27, has been quick to praise the job that Martin O’Neill and his coaching staff implemented to guide the players in the right direction.
Speaking on former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew’s Pitch to Par YouTube Channel, Trusty said:
“He’s the man. He’s had an incredible career professionally, then as a manager he’s had an incredible career as well. He knows everything, he’s been there, done that.
“He’s calm, but also intense because he knows what it takes to win. For the guys who haven’t felt it in the locker room, obviously there’s some who haven’t won the league or trophies with Celtic yet, this was their first. You feel every emotion as a player.”
Trusty reckons the season’s storyline is that of a Hollywood film, in which O’Neill was the hero.
“When has that ever happened, a 73-year-old coach coming in to save the day, and then leaving, then coming back to save the day?” he added.
“Amazing. Honestly, I think they should make a movie about this year, or definitely a documentary.”
It was certainly a campaign filled with every emotion possible, and while it ended in glory, it could be seen as ending on a cliff-hanger.
The Hoops face a squad rebuild this summer, but the management search remains the centre of discussion.
Robbie Keane has held ‘constructive talks’ with Dermot Desmond, while the club’s major shareholder has also met with Martin O’Neill to gauge his interest in staying for at least another year.
The club are reportedly interested in meeting with Craig Bellamy, despite him seeming to rule himself out after committing his future to remaining as head coach of Wales.
Trusty’s focus now turns to his national team, but when he returns, he may find a new face in the dugout.
