Martin O’Neill has spoken out in support of Neil Lennon’s second spell as Celtic manager, arguing that his record during that period deserves greater recognition…
Neil Lennon jokes with Martin O’Neill after Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
Lennon stepped into a role similar to O’Neill’s current position in 2019, taking charge during the closing stages of the league campaign and the latter rounds of the Scottish Cup.
Following the completion of a historic Treble Treble, Lennon was appointed permanently – a move that caught many supporters off guard. Despite many doubters, he quickly justified the decision by securing another domestic treble in his first full season.
However, the following season proved far more difficult for Lennon. A dreadful transfer window and inconsistent form derailed Celtic’s bid for a tenth consecutive league title, with the team finishing the campaign trophyless for the first time in ten years.
When discussing Lennon, O’Neill initially focused on his impact as a player before moving on to his managerial record.
Martin O’Neill during Celtic’s 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren at Hampden on Sunday 19 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
He said via Daily Record: “Sometimes I go and have a look and he was genuinely incredible. Considering you think, as he’s a little stout fellow, he might not be able to run. But he could cover the distances and he was great. Then we went up and he played a major part in us winning the trophies and staying in the top ten for four years.”
“So I then take him to Celtic. The first game he plays is against Dundee and I remember there was a report in one of the papers about a little rotund fella who couldn’t play.”
“But he’s had some impact on the club since then as a player and as a manager. I don’t want him to win it, let me put it that way. I watched their game against Falkirk on Saturday and he was right when he said beforehand there was energy in his team.”
Neil Lennon celebrates after the Scottish Cup semi-final win over Falkirk at Hampden on Saturday 18 April 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
O’Neill added: “They showed that and they showed a real willingness. I was really impressed by them. I hadn’t seen too many of their games but I was really impressed.”
“I thought they did really well. I remember watching the highlights of their game against Aberdeen, too, and after their goalkeeper made a really good save early on, they totally dominated Aberdeen. Look at his career. It’s incredible. He took a lot of criticism and I don’t think it was really deserved.”
“Celtic were trying to go for ten-in-a-row and there was Covid. From a distance, I felt Covid suited Rangers rather than Celtic at the time, but that’s beside the point.”
“When everything settles down, Lenny’s record both as a player and as a manager is incredible. Am I surprised he’s not working at a higher level? The short answer to that is yes.”
“That’s not to say he’s not enjoying it at Dunfermline. I think he gets on really well with the chairman and the owner of the football club. And that says something for him. He just loves football and he loves managing. More than I did.”
Conor Spence
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