Celtic have confirmed the return of Martin O’Neill as manager until the end of the current season, marking a significant and emotional appointment for the club as they look to reignite their campaign.
The former Hoops boss, who enjoyed a trophy laden first spell at Parkhead as well as a successful interim period in charge just four weeks ago, will be supported by a familiar and experienced backroom team.
Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham will join him as assistant managers, while Stephen McManus will work alongside existing first-team coaches Gavin Strachan, Stevie Woods and Greg Wallace.
Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, O’Neill expressed both pride and determination at being asked to take charge once again.
“I am really pleased, in fact, very honoured to be asked back to manage the team again,” he said. “I am looking forward to getting back to work again with the players. For me, I’ve been asked to take this great job on again and my focus will be to try and get us back to winning ways if we can. We will need everyone right behind us.”
O’Neill was also keen to pay tribute to outgoing manager Wilfried Nancy, acknowledging the disappointment of his departure while wishing him success in the future.
“I know we would all have hoped for things to have worked out differently under Wilfried,” O’Neill added. “He is a fine man and I am sure he will go on and achieve success again.”
Celtic’s Interim Chairman Brian Wilson echoed those sentiments, describing Nancy’s exit as “an intense disappointment” from a human perspective, while stressing the importance of unity as the club moves forward.
“By bringing Martin back to the club, we look forward with confidence,” Wilson said. “He is a manager the players, staff and supporters know well, with a peerless reputation in football and a deep commitment to Celtic. The immediate priority is to get back to winning ways, and I would appeal for unity within the stadium to create the best possible environment for the manager and team.”
Chief Executive Michael Nicholson underlined the club’s belief that O’Neill can provide stability and momentum during a crucial period of the season.
“We are very pleased to welcome Martin back to Celtic as manager until the end of the season,” Nicholson said. “Having spoken to Martin, I know he is excited again to be with us and very committed to doing everything he can to deliver the success we all know he can bring.”
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond also welcomed O’Neill’s return, highlighting his proven track record at the club.
“We know exactly what he will bring,” Desmond said. “We hope he can do what he has done for us before, giving us that drive and direction as we move into the next part of the season.”
With a familiar figure back in the dugout and a clear call for unity from the board, Celtic will now look to O’Neill and his staff to restore confidence, consistency and success as the season reaches its decisive stages.
Callum McFadden 