Celtic have confirmed the permanent appointment of Martin O'Neill as manager. The veteran Irishman led the Hoops to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season during his second spell as interim boss.
Contract Details and Backroom Staff
O'Neill has signed a contract that will take him through to next summer, 27 years after his first arrival at Parkhead. However, there is no mention of his backroom staff, with an agreement yet to be struck with Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham. Former Hoops loanee Robbie Keane also held talks about the role, but O'Neill secured the position.
O'Neill's Reaction
O'Neill said: "It is once again a great privilege for me to continue as Celtic manager. Last season will live long in all our memories and to be part of that success has in a big way whetted the appetite to work again for more days like those and bring our supporters those moments."
He added: "Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the players and staff and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for bringing that level of focus, determination and talent to bear at the conclusion of the season to deliver the league and Cup double."
O'Neill also thanked the board for asking him back and gave a special message to fans: "I thank our fans for their ongoing support, it means everything to us. I look forward to being back at Celtic Park next season when we will come together and we will strive again to bring our fans the success which that support deserves."
Dermot Desmond's Pledge
Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond commented: "Time and time again Martin has shown his qualities and what he can bring to Celtic. We know he is a winner, we know what the club means to him and he continues to be the outstanding candidate to give us the best opportunity to realise our objectives."
Desmond added: "He knows the demands at Celtic and I know how determined he is again to bring success to the club and to our supporters. The club will support Martin fully again across the close season to make sure we are well prepared to achieve domestic success and compete on the European stage."
Chief Executive and Chairman Statements
Celtic's Chief Executive, Michael Nicholson, said: "We are really pleased to keep Martin as manager. His knowledge and experience proved vital to us last season and we know his leadership will be hugely important to us going forward."
Interim Chairman Brian Wilson added: "I warmly welcome Martin's re-appointment and look forward to more of the same leadership, inspiration and success he has delivered for the club."
