Martin O’Neill’s decision to remain Celtic manager for another season has sparked plenty of discussion, and Stiliyan Petrov admits he didn’t expect the club to go down that route.
Reports emerged on Friday confirming the 74-year-old will stay in the dugout next season, with an option for a further year. After returning to Celtic in the wake of Brendan Rodgers’ departure and later Wilfried Nancy’s exit, O’Neill delivered a domestic double and convinced the club’s hierarchy he was still the right man for the job.
Major shareholder Dermot Desmond held discussions with O’Neill and also met Robbie Keane as Celtic weighed up their options. In the end, continuity won out.
Petrov knows better than most what O’Neill can bring to a dressing room, having been a key figure during the Irishman’s first spell in Glasgow. Even so, the former Celtic midfielder was surprised by the decision. He said (Sky Sports):
“I’m actually surprised – I thought they would offer Martin O’Neill a different role, a more relaxed one. But with his management skills and record for major honours, he has justified his appointment. I hope and wish him all the best for the next season. Martin O’Neill is Martin O’Neill.
“He’ll feel about 102 by the time that year flies past! But with a one-year deal, they just want to stabilise the club. The last couple of months, he has shown why he’s been such a great character. But here’s a question: if they win again next year, what’s going to happen?”
That question is one Celtic supporters may well be asking themselves. The club have opted for experience and stability in the short term, but there is no obvious long-term succession plan if O’Neill delivers more silverware.
Petrov also weighed in on Robbie Keane’s candidacy after the former Republic of Ireland striker emerged as a serious contender for the role.
“I’ve followed Robbie Keane’s managerial career and he’s done really well. But when you compare him with O’Neill, you have that maturity with O’Neill, who agreed to continue with this team”, Petrov said.
“There was no doubt about it: he was always going to be the first choice if he agreed to it and showed the same energy and determination to work for this great club.”
Petrov’s former teammate Chris Sutton has also had his say since the decision was confirmed. Sutton warned that keeping O’Neill is only part of the job and insisted the Celtic board must now back him properly in the transfer market.
With the managerial situation settled, attention now shifts to recruitment.
The summer window opens on June 15 and Celtic face an important few months. Several key players could move on before the end of the window, leaving O’Neill and his coaching staff with major decisions to make.
The board have chosen their manager. The focus now turns to whether they are prepared to give him the resources needed to keep Celtic at the top.
