Interim Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is engaging in crucial discussions with club power-broker Dermot Desmond today to clarify his future role at the Scottish giants.
O'Neill's Stance on Celtic's Future
The veteran boss has returned from Glasgow to London during the international break, using the opportunity to address both his personal position and the club's strategic direction. While O'Neill has expressed willingness to extend his stay, he is strongly advising the Celtic hierarchy that appointing a new long-term manager should be their immediate priority.
"I've said repeatedly that, of course, I'm willing to help the club out, and a part of me has really enjoyed the experience," O'Neill stated. "But I do think Celtic needs a new, probably younger manager coming in to set the club back on course. I really think that might be best for all concerned."
The January Transfer Window Concern
Celtic's board may be considering asking O'Neill to remain in charge until January, with many supporters hoping to see him lead the team in the Scottish League Cup final against St Mirren on December 14. However, O'Neill believes the club requires more substantial long-term planning and views the approaching January transfer window as particularly critical.
"There are obvious things that need done to the squad – an added striker for a start – and Celtic must press ahead," the interim manager emphasized. "I'm not sentimental about this. This should not be about me at all, actually."
No Room for Sentimentality
During an appearance on BBC Belfast, O'Neill further clarified his temporary role and detachment from board-level discussions about potential permanent appointments. "I am not party to anything that is happening with the board talking to prospective clients and things like this, nor do I want to be because that's never been a remit of mine," he explained.
O'Neill reinforced that his position remains strictly short-term, stating: "My job was to come in and hold the fort, and the minute that someone is appointed, I will step aside. And if it was tomorrow, I would gladly step aside. It's not a problem. It's nothing to do with ego or anything like that. It's just to help out in the very, very short term."
Despite some within Celtic preferring the experienced manager to remain in charge for the Hampden cup final showdown in four weeks, O'Neill dismissed any notion of sentimentality influencing the decision. "That really doesn't matter," he asserted. "I am a romantic and have been a romantic all my life. I know the history of football and all of those particular things but that doesn't bother me one jot."
