Martin O'Neill is set to make a public appearance amid the ongoing wait for the Celtic icon to be named permanent manager. The 74-year-old veteran gaffer has agreed a one-year contract with the club after talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond, but the Scottish champions have yet to formally announce the appointment.
Public Appearance in Dumfries
O'Neill is booked to appear at The Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries this weekend for 'An audience with Martin O'Neill', where he will field questions from fans. The event is expected to draw attention as the legendary manager faces queries about his delayed unveiling.
Criticism Over Silence
Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has slammed the club's handling of the situation. Speaking on his 'Let Me Be Frank' podcast, McAvennie said: "Everyone is talking about it, and Celtic haven't made a statement. I don't know who does the PR. Maybe they are on holiday. I am joking, but it's embarrassing, to be honest."
Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton suggested a potential standoff between O'Neill and the club over transfer recruitment. He told The Warm Up: "I wonder whether there is a standoff in terms of Martin saying, 'Look what I'm being left with. I won you a league and a cup with a squad which was very low on confidence.' There needs to be a big overhaul."
Sutton added: "Let's not get away from the fact that Celtic are still in a bit of a pickle, and fans wanted to see progress in the Champions League. Surely Martin is thinking, 'we need quality in the door', and that is going to cost. I just find the whole situation really strange. The silence in the last couple of weeks, I find it really staggering."
