Exclusive: Martin O’Neill makes Celtic manager U-turn
Martin O’Neill would be prepared to take on the manager’s job at Celtic until the end of the season if the club’s upcoming few games go well, sources have told Football Insider.
The 73-year-old’s last full-time managerial role was with Nottingham Forest in 2019, but sources say he is excited by his return and has changed his mind on just being interim.
However, any decision will depend on whether he can oversee strong displays against Rangers, Midtjylland and Kilmarnock before the international break.
Preparations are already underway for the Scottish League Cup semi-final clash with their Old Firm rivals, where a win would earn the interim boss plenty of favour.
This comes after Brendan Rodgers sensationally quit Celtic following ongoing disagreements with the board and against a backdrop of difficult results.
Martin O’Neill open to Celtic job after Brendan Rodgers exit
Rodgers’ decision to leave Parkhead came following Celtic’s 3-1 defeat to Hearts which has seen them drop six points behind the league leaders in second place.
This came after Football Insider revealed 10 October that Rodgers could be tempted to quit Celtic after failing to make headway in contract negotiations.
Multiple disagreements with the board over transfer strategy saw the boss grow increasingly frustrated, and the January window for Celtic is set to be a quiet one.
Meanwhile, Celtic fans are continuing protests against the board and have made their dissatisfaction with the way the club has been run extremely clear.
However, there is a hope that O’Neill’s experience and rapport with the supporters can help to ease those frustrations and get the team back focused and firing.
Celtic assessing candidates to replace Rodgers long-term
While O’Neill has emerged as an option to lead the team until the end of the season, the club are assessing a number of targets to take charge long-term.
Football Insider revealed on 28 October that Celtic have made contact with Ange Postecoglou about returning to Parkhead, where he enjoyed success previously.
However, doubts have emerged about whether the boss would be open to a return so soon after leaving Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge.
Meanwhile, the likes of Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Wales boss Craig Bellamy have been linked with the role as they continue to assess their options.
As things stand, though, Bellamy is focused on managing Wales, while McKenna would need convincing to leave Ipswich after his long-term success at Portman Road.
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