Martin O’Neill will quit after being ‘thrown under the bus’ by Celtic
Martin O’Neill has been thrown under the bus by Celtic’s lack of activity in the January transfer window following his appointment to replace Wilfried Nancy.
Celtic drew 2-2 with Hearts last time out and are now third in the table after being leapfrogged by Rangers, with six points separating them from the top of the league.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic have relied on the good will from O’Neill‘s appointment to see them through.
However, the interim boss is set to walk away at the end of the season, and has been left frustrated by their lack of activity as he had hoped to strengthen his squad.
Julian Araujo arrived under Nancy’s leadership, with Tomas Cvancara the only signing made under O’Neill, leading to questions about the board’s backing.
Martin O’Neill frustrated by Celtic transfer plans
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that O’Neill hoped to be backed by Celtic in the January window with at least two major additions on his radar.
The lack of activity at Parkhead has raised concerns both amongst the fans and with the interim boss, although he is unlikely to kick up a fuss.
“Celtic have got to start signing players to strengthen this squad,” Brown told Football Insider.
“There are a few problem positions there which need to be addressed, but nothing is being done.
“Since O’Neill has gone in there, they’ve made one signing and that was on loan, so the question marks are there about where this squad is heading long-term.
“Martin O’Neill is a savvy guy, he’s got a terrific reputation at Celtic that’s been built up by his first spell as the caretaker manager and now as the interim.
“The Celtic board have hoped that would get the fans on side despite other issues, maybe they didn’t think they’d have to spend much since he’s not going to kick up a fuss in the way Brendan Rodgers did.
“But he’s going to walk away at the end of the season knowing his reputation there is solidified.
“The frustrations are aimed towards the board, and I’m sure he is frustrated as well because he would have liked to have strengthened this squad for a title challenge.
“He says he doesn’t want the full-time role because of his age and everything, but it’s equally due to the size of the job that this will be in the summer.
“The fans aren’t happy with the owners’ spending, Brendan Rodgers wasn’t happy with the owners’ spending, and now the same can be said of O’Neill.”
Celtic make Arne Engels exit decision
While the shortage of incoming deals has led to growing frustrations at Celtic, a number of key players are also being linked with moves away.
Football Insider revealed on 23 January that RB Leipzig are interested in Arne Engels, although the Scottish Champions have no plans to let him leave.
O’Neill views the 22-year-old as an important part of his squad and will need him fit and available if they are to mount a title challenge in the coming months.
Engels has made 35 appearances for Celtic so far this season and has picked up a combined ten goals and assists in that time, solidifying his importance.
Meanwhile, Celtic paid a club-record £11million to sign him from Augsburg in 2024, and will be looking to make a substantial profit if he is allowed to leave.
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