A year after Brendan Rodgers stepped down, Celtic’s fortunes under Martin O’Neill remain a mixed picture. O’Neill, who took over in the summer of 2023 as a temporary measure, has stayed on for a second spell that has seen the club win a league title and a Scottish Cup, but European performances and internal tensions have left many fans and pundits questioning the direction of the club.
When Rodgers left in May 2023, Celtic were 8–4–4 in all competitions, a record that made the board uneasy about the club’s investment strategy. O’Neill’s first season saw the team finish 11–6–0, a respectable domestic record that kept them in the top four, but the side suffered heavy defeats in Europe, losing 7‑1 to LASK, 5‑1 to Ferencváros and 4‑1 to Benfica. These results have prompted criticism that the squad is “woefully inept” on the continental stage, a sentiment echoed by former striker Chris Sutton and podcaster Tino Callaghan, who noted that Celtic’s European ambitions have fallen far short of their historic highs.
The board’s approach to recruitment has also come under scrutiny. While the club has made notable signings such as Camilo Duran and Mika Baur, the lack of a defensive midfielder has left Callum McGregor exposed, and fans have expressed frustration over what they see as a failure to spend effectively. Daily Record writer Michael Gannon suggested that O’Neill has been used as a “human shield” for the board, fronting the questions about leadership and recruitment while the real decisions are made elsewhere.
Despite these challenges, O’Neill remains upbeat about his tenure. In a recent interview, he described the past year as “a long year” that has “rejuvenated” him, and he expressed satisfaction with the results and the club’s progress. He also acknowledged that he had considered stepping down during the last international break but decided to stay, citing his love for the game and the opportunity to lead Celtic again. He has, however, hinted that he may look to move on after the summer if he can secure another league title, suggesting that his legacy at the club will be judged by domestic success.
Looking ahead, Celtic’s next focus will be on consolidating their domestic dominance while attempting to rebuild a competitive European side. The board’s future plans, the recruitment of a defensive midfielder, and the resolution of internal disputes will be crucial to determining whether O’Neill can maintain the club’s status as Scotland’s premier team and restore its reputation on the continental stage.