Martin O’Neill hasn’t even taken his place in the dugout on his return yet, but there’s already been talk of a potential hierarchy role at the club for when he leaves as interim boss. His response was in typical O’Neill style, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
The 73-year-old is back for a second temporary stint, this time until the end of the season. He’ll be hoping to pick up where he left off, having won seven out of his eight games in charge after Brendan Rodgers‘ dismissal.
A lot has happened since then, however. Wilfried Nancy endured a torrid time at the Hoops, losing six out of his eight games in charge. His permanent tenure lasted shorter than O’Neill’s interim.
O’Neill himself has downplayed any talk of him remaining as manager beyond this season. He even highlighted that he isn’t immune to pressure and that if he were to lose a few games, he’d be under scrutiny.
Though he was asked about his future involvement at the club, most notably as perhaps succeeding Peter Lawwell as permanent chairman.
He said (The Herald): “I put that out myself! I’d like to be owner! I’ve always said there were two jobs I always wanted.
“I wanted to be assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson, because that’s the job of the century. You don’t have any responsibility, he’ll take it all, and you’ll be in a job for life.
“The other job was to be director of football of any club. I get to sign the players and the manager gets the blame!
“You are still in a job and the manager goes… which has been apparent the other day with Manchester United.
“The minute a manager – who used to have power in the 70s, 80s or 90s – publicly is against the director of football you’re out! That’s the job I want.”
In the meantime, O’Neill knows there’s a lot of work to do. The squad have looked flat on their feet, and who better to galvanise them than the man who came in to steer the ship earlier in the season.
A warm reception awaits, though the Irishman has called for unity across the club as we enter a crucial period.
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