I just worry what the reaction would be if he was to fail to beat Heart’s? Or if we take a beating at home against Roma? Or worse of all if we fail to win the League Cup after O’Neill done so well to get us there. A lot of fans would be on the new managers back straight away. The anger at the board would be once again full blown outrage. If O’Neill remains in charge and any of these things are to happen the reaction would be nowhere near as negative. Martin has done his bit. Whatever happens now he will leave with his reputation not just intact but actually increased.
Wilfried Nancy, Head Coach of Columbus Crew SC, arrives prior to the MLS match between Inter Miami CF and Columbus Crew at Chase Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
What harm would it do to delay Nancy by just a couple of weeks? Get him in, sign him up and let him get his bearings around Glasgow and within the club. Let him sit in the stands and judge this team over the next few matches. See what tune O’Neill is getting out of them and let him plan how to get even more from this group. From the men who run our clubs point of view it should be a no brainer for them. Keeping Martin at the helm for another couple of weeks will make it look like they listen to the fans, that they maybe even care what they think. It looks good by treating a club legend with the respect he deserves, by giving him the honour of the opportunity to say goodbye to the Celtic fans whilst raising a trophy over his head.
Arne Engels at Easter Road, Sunday 30 November 2025. Hibs v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
The scenario will even be helpful to Nancy. The feel good factor will be high. Celtic fans and players will be happy. The fury against the board will be calmed a bit by them looking for once like they do care what the fans think. He will be able to start afresh. Yes, his first few fixtures will still be tough with the likes of Dundee United and Aberdeen due but by then we could have a trophy in the bag and be sitting top of the league. The pressure certainly won’t be as intense as it will if he’s given the reigns after Wednesday night.
I think it could be a decision that works out well for absolutely everyone involved. Martin O’Neill, Wilfried Nancy, The board, even the Celtic fans. It’s certainly an idea that Celtic would be foolish not to entertain.
Conall McGinty
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I agree absolutely with the content of this article.
It makes far more sense to let The MON continue until the cup final he qualified us for, rather than go into the final with a new manager who doesn’t know much about his players or Scottish football in general
I totally agree that Martin O Neill should be kept until after the cup final at least.
I’m not being critical of the new manager but the next three games are extremely crucial to Celtics season.
It would also let the new man see what the club means to the Celtic supporters.
I only hope that they dont shoot themselves in the foot