Martin O’Neill has confirmed he expects to speak with Dermot Desmond next week as uncertainty around Celtic’s managerial position continues after the domestic double.
The Celtic manager was asked directly about discussions regarding his future following the Scottish Cup Final win over Dunfermline at Hampden. O’Neill completed the league and cup double after one of the most dramatic title recoveries the club has managed in recent years, but there is still no clarity over whether he will remain in charge next season.
Throughout the last few weeks, O’Neill has regularly avoided giving firm answers whenever questions about his future appeared. His latest comments followed a similar pattern.
There was no outright confirmation that talks had already taken place with Desmond following the final, although O’Neill did admit he expects conversations soon.
The timing matters because Celtic now move into one of the busiest periods of the summer. Champions League qualifiers are approaching quickly, several senior players still face uncertain futures and the squad itself probably needs reshaped after a difficult season physically.
O’Neill repeatedly hinted after the final that he still sees areas where the team can improve tactically with proper coaching time and a full pre-season behind them.
At the same time, he also sounded like somebody fully aware of the demands that come with staying for another full campaign.
The Celtic manager discussed that situation while speaking after Hampden.
He said: (BBC Sport Scotland), “There were no discussions about that at all.
“Next week I might get to speak to the owner. If you’re asking me if I could step in after a three-day holiday, I wouldn’t have that about me.
“Dermot Desmond brought me back in the first place, I owe him a great deal otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”
The comments again leave plenty open to interpretation.
O’Neill clearly remains close to Desmond and openly acknowledged the role Celtic’s principal shareholder played in bringing him back to the club. That relationship has always mattered throughout both of O’Neill’s spells around Celtic.
The line about not being able to “step in after a three-day holiday” also felt revealing. It sounded like somebody recognising the scale of preparation required to properly manage Celtic over an entire season rather than simply seeing out a short-term rescue job.
For now, Celtic supporters are still waiting for a clearer answer about who will lead the team into next season’s Champions League qualifiers.
Thanks Martin for doing a fantastic job and enhancing your legendary status even further.
The task of the massive rebuild required, is for a younger man.
IMO Askou would have been the perfect choice, but other clubs move far quicker than us, and so it’s no surprise that we’ve missed the boat yet again
Robbie Keane failed at Ferencvaros this season, but he’s Irish, no compo required, and played for us, so he’s probably been lined up already.
Just because the papers have pushed Askou and Keane doesn’t mean that Celtic are or were leaning that way.
I believe Celtic will ensure that a manager of genuine pedigree will be in charge next season. Whether that’s MON or not remains to be seen.