Journalist Keith Jackson believes Martin O’Neill’s remarkable impact as Celtic interim manager may extend far beyond his short spell in the dugout.
With Peter Lawwell’s position under intense scrutiny following the chaotic AGM, Jackson revealed he has heard growing rumours that O’Neill could return to Celtic in a senior boardroom role, including, potentially, as director of football or even as chairman.
O’Neill has quickly restored structure and belief to a squad that had lost its way, delivering five wins from six and a historic Europa League victory over Feyenoord. His short tenure has not only steadied the season but transformed the atmosphere around the club.
For many supporters, his presence has brought a sense of reassurance and leadership that has been lacking at board level for some time. Jackson’s view is that Celtic would be wasting a major asset if O’Neill were simply allowed to exit quietly once Nancy takes over.
Calls from sections of the support for O’Neill to remain in a senior long-term role have grown louder in recent days. Many feel the club needs experienced football figures embedded at decision-making level, not just in the dugout.
Jackson’s comments feed directly into that discussion, suggesting that the rumours he has heard point towards the possibility of O’Neill stepping into a strategic position such as director of football, a role some fans believe is overdue at Celtic Park.
Against the backdrop of boardroom unrest and supporter anger, Jackson argued that O’Neill’s experience, personality and understanding of the club’s demands make him a compelling candidate to guide Celtic through the next phase.
With Nancy about to begin his tenure and Lawwell facing calls to step aside, the journalist believes Celtic may already be considering a wider restructuring of their football operations.
He said: (Hotline Live), “I can’t see Martin O’Neill just riding off into the sunset, as you said there. I think there’s something in this for him. I think he’s rediscovered his passion, if it ever went away. I think he’s where he wants to be.
“I think there should be a role, and very possibly will be a role, for Martin O’Neill, whether it’s director of football or something, as I said, bigger and better.
“It wouldn’t surprise me. I’ve heard rumours about him potentially taking over as chairman at some point.
“I think there’s something in it for him. I mean, I think it would actually be a bit of a waste for Celtic to let him just walk away now.”
Jackson’s comments go right to the centre of the debate about Celtic’s leadership. With Lawwell under huge pressure and trust in the board badly damaged, more supporters are beginning to warm to the idea of O’Neill taking on a senior role behind the scenes.
It’s easy to see why, he’s a respected figure who knows the club inside out and has already shown how quickly he can lift the mood around the place.
Whether Celtic actually make that kind of change is still unclear, but Jackson’s point reflects a growing feeling that O’Neill shouldn’t simply hand the reins to Nancy and then disappear. His return has reminded people of the value of having strong football voices involved at the top of the club.
With Nancy expected to arrive next week, the conversation around O’Neill’s long-term future will only increase.
And if the whispers Jackson has heard turn out to be true, Celtic could be heading for real change behind the scenes, with O’Neill playing a major part in shaping what comes next.
I said before, it wouldn’t take a rocket science to appoint Martin as Chairman, Dom McKay as CEO (if he would come back) Paul Lambert as director of Football, I would go for Knutsen as manager but back whoever it is. Appoint a fan rep on board. And have Marc Crosas and Maloney in charge of Youth Development and Academy. Clear out the Strachans, Lawwells, McManus, McCart and all these guys. That would be too forward thinking for Desmond and Co however.
That wont happen but what id like is for Lawell andRogers to appoligise to all at Celtic footbal club cayse if there egos have allowed Celtic to suffer two men who can not sit at the same table it allowed fractions to get into our supporters players were felt secondairy when its all about playing good football if you have in fighting players feel that uts because if the signing policies when its cause two men cant talk things out And to Mr Desmond to not even notice what route this taken us maybe he should take more to do with club
MON intelligent football man instead of Lawell is a no brainer, Lawell has lost the club’s support irrepairably,and MON would be a good choice for our fanbase
Steady now bhoys. Peter Lawwell has done wonders for the club over the years. Remember, it’s always a board decision and not one man.
However, the signings didn’t happen at the beginning of the season. That was a board responsibility. It didn’t work out, but we as supporters must accept that everything was done to get players in. The SPL is a big problem. It’s not seen by many as a league that they want to play in.
We need to do much better in Europe and the board must be in line with the supporters on this. A much better way of communicating with the supporters would help considerably.
We have also to remember that Brendan Rodgers was responsible for many of the problems. Let’s just think of OH, remember him. According to Brendan, he was not up to it. Now, after letting him go for peanuts, he is worth upward of 30 million. So much for a genius of a coach. So much for a genius of a coach.
Rodgers caused a great many problems; his constant politicking was a huge upset and his treatment of players such as Shin was an absolute disgrace.
Good comments Stevie Bhoy. Every one a good suggestion. However, the incoming head coach is fine by me and Knutsen is not interested in coming. I believe Nancy will prove himself again.
You are also spot with getting rid of the Strachans etc. Having Martin stay in an elevated position would be brilliant. He can speak respectfully and thoughtfully as well as being able to handle awkward situations well, unlike pistol Pete. I believe the AGM situation would have been successfully concluded if people with humility and the power of reasoning and listening, without creating issues were in charge.
Martin would be a big step forward for us. He is, after all said and done, an important part of our club. Monsieur Nancy would have intelligent and understanding support from a higher level.