Ally McCoist has suggested that Martin O'Neill would only walk away from Celtic this season if the club fails to provide adequate support in the transfer market. The Rangers legend made the comments amid concerns over Celtic's quiet summer window, with the Hoops having secured only one new signing so far.
Celtic's summer business
Celtic are days away from beginning their Scottish Premiership title defence, with Flag Day at Celtic Park against Dundee. The crucial Champions League playoff first leg is scheduled for August 18 or 19. Despite the imminent season, the club has only brought in Camilo Duran from Qarabag, though Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt is expected to follow soon. Talks are ongoing for Paderborn's Mika Baur and Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, but Celtic currently have the lowest number of new recruits of any Scottish top-flight club.
McCoist on O'Neill's future
Open Goal host Simon Ferry raised the possibility of O'Neill 'chucking it' due to fan unrest over the quiet window. McCoist responded: 'No, unless...the one way he would is if he didn't get any support, right? Absolutely. Then nobody could grudge him it. Celtic supporters would go like that 'well, he is not getting any support - he is right'. But, I don't think that will happen.'
Despite Celtic winning the league and Scottish Cup last season, McCoist admitted he was surprised to see the 74-year-old return for another campaign. Comparing management to a drug, McCoist said: 'Just a drug, it has to be. He has looked at that last season and must have thought 'it can get any better than that, but I'm going to have another go at it'. It has to be a drug.'
McCoist added that Celtic may have promised O'Neill funds and that the lure of the Champions League likely played a part in his decision to stay. 'They have probably said to him 'if you stay, we will get you a few in and give you a few quid to spend, and we will go again'. He has probably thought about the Champions League - it's amazing what it's like, you just get a feeling for it. But, it did surprise me.'
