Martin O’Neill gave the clearest indication yet that he could remain as Celtic manager next season after refusing to rule out staying following the title win over Hearts.
The Celtic boss had strongly hinted in recent weeks that this could be his final league game at Celtic Park. Before Saturday’s match he admitted there was “more than a reasonable chance” this would be the end of his return to management after coming back earlier in the season.
Now the picture looks far less certain.
O’Neill looked emotional throughout the post-match celebrations after Celtic’s dramatic 3-1 comeback win sealed the Premiership title. The manager repeatedly spoke about how much the players and supporters had affected him since returning to the club from retirement.
He also admitted the job had “rejuvenated” him.
That matters because O’Neill did not close the door when Chris Sutton asked directly whether he still had the energy to continue into next season. Considering how openly O’Neill has spoken about retirement and the toll management takes, the answer sounded far more like somebody still thinking seriously about staying.
The reaction inside Celtic Park probably played a part too.
Supporters unveiled banners for O’Neill throughout the afternoon and the stadium erupted around him after Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand turned the title race around late against Hearts. O’Neill looked completely overwhelmed at times during the celebrations.
Speaking after lifting the trophy, the Celtic manager opened up about his future and the effect the return has had on him.
He said: (Sky Sports), “That’s a good point, Chris. And a serious point. I just don’t know.
“I really don’t know. It does take its toll, honestly.
“But what has happened is that they’ve given me a rejuvenation, seriously rejuvenated.
“Way back in October, I was just having a coffee in the King’s Road down in London, kind of enjoying retirement.
“And I thought the days here of me lifting a trophy at Celtic Park in front of these fans was well and truly gone.
“What has it done for me? Honestly, it’s given me a lease of life.”
The Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline still remains to come and there is now every chance the conversation around O’Neill’s future drags on beyond that match.
Inside the club there will also be awareness of what changed after he returned. Celtic looked finished in the title race after the defeat at Tannadice earlier in the season. O’Neill rebuilt belief quickly and the atmosphere at Celtic Park completely shifted during the run-in.
Players repeatedly spoke about mentality and togetherness during the comeback. O’Neill himself credited the crowd for “keeping the team going” through difficult moments.
Saturday probably made it harder for everybody involved to walk away from that feeling just yet.
