Chris Sutton has never been shy about giving an honest take on Celtic matters, and his latest comments on Martin O’Neill’s interim spell were no different.
The former striker was full of respect for his old boss, but he struck a cautious tone, warning against emotion clouding judgement. Sutton praised the short-term lift O’Neill has provided but believes Celtic need a fresh face to take charge beyond this season.
There’s no bitterness in Sutton’s words, only admiration. He’s seen first-hand what O’Neill achieved at Parkhead and doesn’t want to see that legacy damaged if results turn sour later on. For him, O’Neill’s role was about stabilising the club, not steering it long-term.
At the same time, Sutton stressed the importance of clarity from Celtic’s board. Whether it’s O’Neill or someone else, he feels the decision must come soon, letting things drift would only breed more uncertainty and unrest.
He said: (Sky Sports), “I would like to see Celtic appoint a new permanent manager.
“I just I wouldn’t like Martin to carry on. He may be desperate to carry on, but I wouldn’t like to see sort of if things don’t go right, his legacy tarnished in any way.
“I think that the football fans have their opinion, and if Celtic don’t win a league this season and he’s in charge, then yeah, he’ll take a bit of a flak. And I wouldn’t like to see that. You know, he’s come in as a bit of a shield and to try and bring a bit of a feel-good factor back. And, you know, he’s done well in the short term.
“I think they need to be decisive in the next move, not let this just sort of rumble on and on and on. I think that will cause more strife.”
Sutton’s message was clear, respect what O’Neill has done, enjoy the lift he’s given the team, but don’t let emotion decide what happens next. He made the point that O’Neill’s reputation matters, and most fans still see him as a legend, not a long-term solution.
He also warned that if O’Neill stayed and didn’t win the league, the goodwill wouldn’t last. Sutton doesn’t want to see a man who gave so much to Celtic judged harshly if things go wrong.
More than anything, he wants the board to act quickly. Celtic can’t drift through the season without a plan for what comes next, whether that’s O’Neill or someone new.
Sutton’s view is simple, he respects O’Neill, but knows Celtic need to think ahead and build for the future.
