Celtic fans are divided over Martin O'Neill's future after a draw with Dundee Utd and a defeat to Falkirk left the Premiership lead potentially cut to one point. While some supporters are calling for a complete rethink at Parkhead, others insist the manager is not the issue.
Pressure builds after poor run
In an alternate reality, Celtic are sitting ten points clear of Rangers at the top of the Premiership table. In the real world, where they drew with Dundee Utd and lost to Falkirk while Gers were dropping points at Tynecastle and securing a Premier Sports Cup Final spot, the gap could well be down to one point if Derek McInnes' men win their game in hand.
The worry for Hoops fans is that it could be them doing the chasing before that has the chance to happen if current results continue. And frustration at Martin O'Neill could be starting to cancel out the reverence for past glories.
Fans call for change
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, thinks it's time for a complete rethink at Parkhead: "I have the utmost respect for Martin O’Neill for his success with Celtic but he was surely grasping at straws by saying we came from a mile back to win the league last season. The big difference is the horrendous decline in form happened on his watch."
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, is of a similar opinion. He emailed: "I never thought that I would ever say this but O'Neill's time is surely up at Parkhead after his failure at Falkirk. After last season's miraculous double, this season looks dead already. Celtic are not a team used to losing, according to the manager."
Support for O'Neill remains
However, not everyone wants to see O'Neill ushered aside. David Beattie, Rothesay, says: "Never thought I'd be saying this but am embarrassed by the Celtic fans and their total disrespect to a man who only 5 months ago took them to a near impossible league title and then Scottish cup win, GET A GRIP!!!!"
Beattie added: "Take into account what Martin O'Neill has done at the worst of times and the fact he has been hung out to dry by Desmond and his board with half a job of summer recruitment. Irrespective how things go Martin O'Neill isn't the issue yous know where the issues are vent, not the team and manager!"
Rangers and Kilmarnock concerns
While the Hoops were blowing the chance to extend their lead at the weekend, Rangers were booking their place in the first cup final of the season. But David Spiers, Clarkston, wants to know why they were allowed to do it with eleven men: "I would like to ask why James Penrice allowed to stay on the field on Saturday night and not be red carded and why was the referee not called to the monitor by VAR."
Davy Cook, Edinburgh, has sent gloating Hibees a reminder of where they are despite Sunday's semi-final win. He emailed: "Got to agree with all the Hibs fans saying they are the STRONGEST team in Edinburgh just now as they are still bottom of the league holding everybody up. One game doesn’t make a great winter."
Kilmarnock at least didn't lose at the weekend, but Neil McCann won't be feeling too positive after twice surrendering the lead to ten-man St Johnstone. James Murray, Cumnock, warned: "I think we’ve all heard the excuses and apologies for performances from Neil McCann Now last Saturday for being held to a draw he blames the fans for not being patient Astonishing considering the dross the fans has watched since August. I think we all know where this will end up. Again."
