Herald Journalist Stephen McGowan reports that Martin O’Neill is set to be confirmed as Celtic’s next permanent manager after reaching an agreement with the club.
The Irishman stepped into the role on an interim basis and guided Celtic to a domestic double, delivering both the Premiership title and the Scottish Cup before discussions over his future gathered pace.
According to the report, a meeting in London between O’Neill and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond on Thursday evening resulted in an agreement being reached. The proposed deal is said to run for one year, with the possibility of a further 12 months built into the arrangement.
An official announcement is expected in due course and would bring an end to weeks of speculation surrounding the position.
The managerial search had become a major talking point among supporters. Robbie Keane had been strongly linked with the vacancy after holding talks earlier in the week, but the prospect of his appointment prompted a fierce reaction from sections of the Celtic support.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy was also reported to have been under consideration during the recruitment process.
Attention will now turn to the coaching and football operations structure around O’Neill.
Shaun Maloney has reportedly discussed taking up a senior role overseeing football matters at the club. However, the latest developments could see him remain closer to the first-team environment instead.
Should that happen, Maloney could continue working alongside O’Neill as part of the coaching group, with Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus also expected to feature in the setup.
If confirmed, O’Neill’s appointment would represent a reward for the work carried out during his interim spell, with the club opting for continuity after a successful end to the campaign.
If this was to be the case it would be a horrendously backwards step of huge proportions!
Martin got us out of a hole, but he is NOT the answer to move forward, and allowing the GB and other protest organizations tell the club how to do business is not on!
It’s time they received lifetime bans.
MON was, and at the age of 74, should always have been a short term fix.
The board have made the easy, lazy decision which is yet another example of no long term plan.
Everyone loves Martin but he should have walked into the sunset with the incredible double under his belt as his glorious farewell.
What was wrong with Askou?
On our doorstep.
ok now give MON the money to build a team to compete in the Champions League.
Catholics 1-0 Islam – Martin O’Neill! MON!
Remember Islam sympathisers they chose Wilfred Nancy. And they don’t like Robbie Keane either!
We know best and so does Jesus and the Pope’s 11
Thank God