Chris Sutton believes Martin O’Neill was not quite as content as he made out during his Sky Sports sit-down earlier this week.
The former Celtic striker knows his old manager well, and after discussing a chaotic January window, Sutton sensed there was more going on beneath the surface.
O’Neill was asked directly about a transfer window that delivered six loan signings, no permanent additions, and a familiar late scramble as deadline day loomed. On the face of it, the Celtic manager struck a positive tone, insisting he was happy with the business completed.
Sutton was not convinced.
Writing in his Daily Record column, Sutton suggested O’Neill may have been putting on a brave face. “I’m not so convinced, as I suspect O’Neill might have been putting on a brave face. Is he really happy?” Sutton wrote. He went on to add that O’Neill was never likely to criticise the club publicly, but doubts remained, particularly around players arriving at the last possible moment.
CeltsAreHere understands this window followed the now-familiar scattergun approach behind the scenes, with the club effectively searching for short-term fixes rather than executing a clear, coherent recruitment plan. There was no strategy, more hope that something would turn up.
Sutton singled out several of the arrivals. Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka were highlighted as players who have struggled in recent times and may arrive in Glasgow with points to prove rather than momentum behind them.
Benjamin Arthur, meanwhile, is regarded as a highly rated young talent at Brentford, but his limited first-team exposure raises obvious questions.
Sutton pointed out that it would only take an injury or suspension for Arthur to be thrust into the deep end, potentially in a fixture as demanding as the derby at Ibrox. That, he noted, would be a huge ask for a player still finding his feet at senior level.
Celtic sit six points behind Hearts and three adrift of Rangers, albeit with a game in hand that could reduce both gaps. This was a window where supporters wanted firm, prompt and emphatic action to support a title push. Instead, they were served hesitation and patchwork solutions.
Most of the players brought in will be gone in four months, their Celtic careers little more than a footnote. That reality only sharpens the concern. There is no long-term security here, only a hope that short-term motivation and professionalism can carry the side through a decisive period.
Sutton summed it up plainly. The feeling that remains is that his old Celtic manager could do with all the help he can get. Whether this window truly provides that help will be tested quickly.
It’s Dundee up next on Saturday in the Scottish cup with a boycott called by the Celtic collective.
