(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Jack Dawson

Fri 29 May 2026 13:00, UK

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Celtic fans believe that Martin O’Neill will be offered to stay on as manager ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

The 74-year-old is currently set to leave the club in the coming weeks after delivering a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup title.

However, a replacement is yet to be named, and the club’s recent successes have seen O’Neill emerge as one of the favourites for the job on a permanent basis.

Now, The Herald on 28 May has reported that talks between Dermot Desmond and O’Neill about the position have been pushed back a week.

As a result, fans have insisted this is an indication that the manager is set to be offered the Celtic job for the upcoming season.

Martin O’Neill expected to be offered job by Celtic fans

An O’Neill appointment this summer would no doubt divide the Celtic fanbase.

Despite his successes this season, he has been seen as a very short-term fix at Parkhead.

His age means that Celtic will probably be hunting for yet another manager in one to two seasons if they do go through with an appointment.

However, many of the coaches who have been linked in recent months are no longer available, reducing the potential candidates for the job.

Now, supporters believe that the week’s delay is O’Neill debating whether he wants to take the job on for next season, with Desmond likely set to offer him the position.

I know folk will be annoyed by this, and rightly so, it always feels like Celtic move at a snails pace, but I think this is a big indication O’Neill’s been offered the job, and if he has, you wouldn’t blame him for wanting 7-10 days to go away and think about it without pressure. https://t.co/Z7SCTx9zCs

— Inside The SPFL (@AgentScotland) May 29, 2026

I agree but MON shldnt be offered the job. He did great for us but we need to make a long term appointment. Squad needs a rebuild will we commit to spending on manager who may only last one season. No doubt the line from the club will be it’s difficult window for managers give WC

— . (@pnic6ol) May 29, 2026

Seems the most likely outcome 🍀

— Smee Again (@Smee_Again1967) May 29, 2026

It’s definitely the right option, now. It wouldn’t have been my first choice but to start with a new management team at this point puts us on the back foot for next season. So another year for MON and then plan for the future, if we are capable of that.

— Steven Clark (@hotbaws1) May 29, 2026

My feeling is MON is probably the only, or, at least, the preferred choice.

All very Celtic.

— Grant McCabe (@twobobhack) May 29, 2026

Totally agree with this. Seems straightforward. He needs a bit of time to see whether he commits, which I expect he will.

— Ross MacDougall (@rossmac74) May 29, 2026

I think your right

— Crackerman81 (@radiator9990826) May 29, 2026

Could O’Neill turn down Celtic?

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness has exclusively told Football Insider that O’Neill would find the Celtic job too difficult to turn down if he were offered it.

This is due to the passion and the excitement he feels, especially after winning a domestic double this month.

Wyness also believes that his return to Celtic has helped him feel younger again in what has been a successful few months back at Parkhead.

If he decides to turn down the role, O’Neill could move into a director of football role, as Celtic search for another man to go into the dugout.

However, it appears that the 74-year-old may now be the frontrunner for the role next season after leading the club to a successful end to the season.