It has been one month since majority shareholder Dermot Desmond persuaded Celtic icon Martin O’Neill to return to Parkhead after Brendan Rodgers’ dramatic and bitter departure.
The 73-year-old, who had been away from management for more than six years, stepped back into a club struggling both on and off the pitch. Celtic were eight points behind league leaders Hearts following a damaging defeat at Tynecastle, while fan frustration with the board was growing louder by the day.
Despite the tense atmosphere surrounding the club, O’Neill has slowly steadied the ship—though even those closest to him doubted he could do it.
O’Neill Proves Doubters Wrong
Celtic’s 3-1 Europa League victory away to Feyenoord on Thursday marked their first European away win since 2021 and gave O’Neill his fifth victory in six matches since returning.
Under his leadership, Celtic have trimmed the gap to Hearts to just four points with a game in hand and secured a place in next month’s League Cup final after defeating rivals Rangers.
When asked what he thought upon returning, O’Neill joked:
“My daughters encouraged me, but my wife told me I’d probably mess it up.”
He added with a smile,
“So far, I haven’t messed it up.”
Celtic Deliver Landmark Win in the Netherlands
Goals from Yang Hyun-jun and Reo Hatate turned the game around after Ayase Ueda’s opener for Feyenoord. Benjamin Nygren sealed the result late on, giving Celtic their first Dutch victory since 2001—ironically during O’Neill’s first tenure.
“We played with real confidence,” O’Neill said. “Going behind could’ve rattled us, but the players showed tremendous character.”
With three league-stage games left—Roma and Utrecht at home, and Bologna away—Celtic sit 21st in the 36-team table. O’Neill believes qualification is possible with “10 or 11 points usually enough.”
Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy is close to being appointed as Rodgers’ long-term successor, but O’Neill feels the squad is well-prepared for whoever takes charge next.
Players Praise O’Neill’s Influence
Fans serenaded O’Neill during the closing minutes in Rotterdam, celebrating a manager who lifted seven major trophies during his first spell. His quick turnaround of the team has only strengthened his iconic status.
O’Neill joked,
“I told my brothers to start the chant—looks like they did! Might as well enjoy it.”
Midfielder Luke McCowan, who played out of position, praised O’Neill’s calm leadership:
“His message was simple—defend set-pieces and our quality will show. He’s brilliant. His man-management is top level.”
‘O’Neill’s Still Got It’ – Analysis
BBC Scotland’s Tom English believes O’Neill might be the obvious solution:
“With the same squad Rodgers struggled with, O’Neill’s delivered a huge European away win on only his second try. His magnetism and experience still shine through.”
Fan Reactions
- Craig: The O’Neill effect is real. Fantastic results from the temporary manager. I’d be happy for him to stay.
- Mark: Our best European performance in years. Take a bow, Martin O’Neill—still a legend.
- Peter: Keep him on as an advisor to the next manager. He deserves it, and so does the club.
- Kevin: Brilliant performance. Martin O’Neill is the king of kings.
- Dave: Outstanding awareness from O’Neill. He clearly knows what he’s doing. Well done, boys.
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