Celtic today unveiled club legend Martin O’Neill as interim manager in media press conference at Celtic Park following the sudden resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday night.
A Call Out of the Blue
O’Neill, who led Celtic to multiple domestic titles and a UEFA Cup Final during his first spell between 2000 and 2005, revealed that he was approached with barely any notice.
“I knew about this less than 24 hours ago,” O’Neill said. “I’m really excited, nervous excitement. I obviously want to do as well as I can. I’m looking forward to it, I think.”
The 73-year-old explained that majority shareholder Dermot Desmond contacted him directly to step in while the club searches for a permanent successor.
“I got a call late afternoon, early evening from Dermot Desmond. He said Brendan had resigned. People had been taken aback by that.
I was asked if I’d come in and hold proceedings until they found a permanent manager. I had 10 minutes to make up my mind, which I did.”
Interim Role Confirmed
O’Neill stressed that his appointment is temporary, with Celtic already beginning the process of identifying a long-term replacement.
“This is a role where they’re looking for a permanent manager. At this minute, I’ve been called in to do the job. Interim manager at this point, and that’s the way it will remain.”
His first game back in charge comes on Wednesday night at home to Falkirk, and the Irishman admits to feeling the familiar buzz of anticipation.
“There’s a nervous excitement. Obviously I’ll try to win the game, that’s the most important thing.”
‘Clapping Lasts 15 Minutes’
O’Neill expects a warm reception from the Celtic support but insists sentiment won’t count for much once the whistle blows.
“If there is some sort of clapping for me, I’m well aware in this game that that lasts about 15 minutes.
In this game, you have to win. It’s in Celtic’s DNA.”
From Pundit to Dugout in 24 Hours
Only a day before his return, O’Neill had been working as a pundit and even suggested Celtic could be caught in the title race.
“First of all, I stand by everything I said yesterday,” he laughed. “Although, if I’d known I was going to get the job, I wouldn’t have said anything. I was in King’s Road in London when I got the call.”
Perspective and Belief
Reflecting on his past success and Celtic’s current squad, O’Neill drew comparisons with his first tenure.
“Twenty-five years ago, I inherited some really great players and I think I added to that, and over a short period of time the team gelled together.
Celtic over the last couple of years have not had that, but they’ve been able to win in a different way.”
He even pointed to a recent example of Celtic’s resilience in Europe.
“Remember, it’s only nine months ago in Munich where Bayern scored in the last minute of normal time, and I genuinely believe, if that went into extra-time, Celtic would’ve won it.”
O’Neill’s Task At Hand
For Celtic supporters, O’Neill’s return evokes memories of one of the club’s most successful eras. But the man himself is under no illusions about the task ahead.
“I didn’t need to be told what’s required,” he said. “It’s simple: in this club, you have to win.”
Featured image: Celtic Football Club
Callum McFadden 