"The players response has been terrific," Martin O'Neill

Q: The longer you do the job, though, Martin, is there not part of you that thinks about wanting to stay on even if it’s not a possibility?

Martin O’Neill: “I think, in fairness to the new manager coming in, I think the board have made a decision on that there. And I think it’s only fair to him to come in, now get in, and get his feet under the table, look at the side. Because he’s got some really great games to look forward to coming up. And nothing will be easy, of course. Nothing is, but it’ll be an exciting team. He’ll take over a side that’s actually, I think, brimming might be too strong a word, but they certainly have loads of self-confidence about themselves now.”

Martin O’Neill at Easter Road, Sunday 30 November 2025. Hibs v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Q: Is it just a red tape issue? Is that your understanding?

Martin O’Neill: “Yeah, yeah.

Q: In your head, is Wednesday definitely it then?

Martin O’Neill: “Yeah, in my mind, absolutely. In my mind, at 8 o’clock yesterday morning, it was also that this is my last game, you know.

Q: Has it given you a new lease of life, Martin, this kind of period?

Martin O’Neill: “Well, it certainly has. It certainly has. Working with young people has definitely invigorated me, or reinvigorated me, no question about it. And just to be around footballers again, and seeing what the young player thinks about the game now, I think those things, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned a lot in the last, what is it, six weeks, or whatever the case may be. Genuinely, I’ve learned a lot about players, about young players, what they think, how they approach games, and just a bit of guidance along the way, which I think that I’ve added.”

Q: You’re talking about the manager getting his feet under the table, but the new manager’s first three games could be Hearts, Roma, a cup final. Should he wait?

Martin O’Neill: “Are you joining the Celtic board, are you? Right. Those games are games to look forward to, I must admit. But I’m sure, I’ve not spoken to the man, but I’m quite sure he would want to get in here as soon as possible, to get going, and at least on the back of good results, and the team now starting to play with the sort of confidence that has pervaded this football club for some time.”