(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Evan Shaw

Sat 30 May 2026 9:00, UK

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Celtic would be able to fix the growing “rift” between the board and the fans with a double act of Robbie Keane and Martin O’Neill in charge next term.

That is according to former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that a move to appoint Keane as manager and O’Neill as sporting director would get the fans back on side at Parkhead.

O’Neill’s men strung together a strong run of form at the end of the campaign to lift the Scottish Premiership title, but the season was marred by several protests from supporters towards the club hierarchy. 

The board are now facing a major decision as to who will be appointed as the club’s next permanent manager, with O’Neill’s latest interim tenure having now run its course.

Celtic’s managerial search has seen several candidates heavily linked in recent months, and Keane has become the latest man tipped to take over after his departure from Ferencvaros.

Martin O’Neill to have huge say in choosing next Celtic manager

Aberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa, and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that O’Neill should have a significant say in who takes charge of Celtic.

The 74-year-old is a hugely trusted and valued figure at Parkhead, and crucially, has become a point of contact between the fans and the club amid a period where tensions have been running high. 

Wyness feels that the veteran boss should be given the chance to weigh in with his verdict in a sporting director role, and added that a partnership between him and Keane could be a “dream team.”

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he said: “I’m a big believer in O’Neill having some say in selecting the manager and even staying on as sporting director, that would satisfy a lot of people. If Keane were to be chosen with Martin’s involvement, that’s one thing.

“The board have proven they got it so wrong with Wilfried Nancy. I wouldn’t trust them to get it right if I were a Celtic fan. Keane may be a solution, but I’d like to see it endorsed by Martin, and maybe Martin having an overview with him or even a settling-in period while they work together.

“Martin and Robbie could work together, and I think that could be a dream team for Celtic. Celtic have got the budget to do it, and it would be a positive way to do things in terms of healing the rift with the fans that’s been so apparent this season.”

Hoops’ favoured candidate clear as Robbie Keane added to shortlist

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Celtic have added Keane to their shortlist of managerial targets, but he is not one of their leading candidates to take the reins at the moment.

The club hierarchy remain keen to carefully assess all of their options before making their final decision, but it is clear who is their preferred candidate at the moment.

They are still hopeful of being able to convince O’Neill to do one more season in the hot seat, despite his previous suggestions from earlier in the campaign that this would be his final year. 

The ball appears to be in the Northern Irishman’s court in terms of his own future, with Celtic more than happy to continue with their current setup if he is willing to commit once again.