Martin O’Neill is expected to hold fresh talks with Dermot Desmond in the coming days as Celtic continue their search for a permanent manager ahead of next season.
According to the Daily Record, discussions are planned between the club’s principal shareholder and the current interim boss following Celtic’s domestic double-winning finish to the campaign. O’Neill returned midway through the season after Wilfried Nancy’s difficult spell unravelled and managed to steady the club during a tense title race.
The Premiership win changed the mood around Celtic quickly. O’Neill simplified things on the pitch and trusted experienced players to carry the team through pressure matches. Celtic looked more controlled defensively during the final weeks and handled difficult away fixtures far better than they had earlier in the campaign.
Despite that success, the report states Celtic are still actively exploring other managerial options rather than moving immediately toward a permanent appointment for O’Neill. Potential candidates are believed to be under consideration while background work continues behind the scenes.
That approach probably reflects lessons learned from the Nancy appointment. Celtic moved quickly last time after Brendan Rodgers’ departure and the season became unstable almost immediately. This time there appears to be more caution around balancing short-term results with the longer-term direction of the club.
O’Neill’s position remains interesting because the squad clearly responded to him. Senior players looked more comfortable within his system and supporters quickly reconnected with the side during the title run-in. His handling of big matches also stood out. Celtic regained authority in games where they had previously looked nervous.
Recruitment decisions, squad planning and European preparation all need clarity early in pre-season. That is likely why Celtic are continuing to assess several options even after finishing the campaign with silverware.
For now, O’Neill remains central to the conversation. The next discussions with Desmond could shape whether this season becomes a short-term rescue mission or the beginning of another full chapter back in the Celtic dugout.
The de facto Owner who has no executive management position, and is actually a NED ( no laughing at the back and no reporting it to PLC governing body that it’s against the rules to have a non executive director running the company! 🙂 ) Is ready to appoint yet another Senior Manager, ( actually Football Manager)
My money is on the successful appointment being Irish, having some previous connection to the Club and being a pal of the Owners! Liam Brady? Roy Keane? Bono? Pierce Brosnan? Oh, Robbie Keane then! 🙂
2 weeks almost gone since we won the league. a week since cup final. And still o manager in place. This lot never fuckin learn do they? Knew manager should have been announced after the Hearts game and should be getting to work already assessing what he has and getting his new signings in. Not like Celtic eh? Absolute fuckin joke.