Jackie Mcnamara Says Martin O'Neill Faces Celtic Decision

jackie mcnamara is back at the centre of Celtic’s latest decision, with Martin O'Neill saying he could not manage the club if the season started tomorrow. The 74-year-old has led Celtic through nearly two-thirds of a season after what was only supposed to be a few weeks in charge in the autumn, and he will meet the owner in the next week.

O'Neill's Hampden verdict

O'Neill laid out his position after the 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden. “If the season was to start tomorrow, I couldn't do it,” he said, before adding: “But the season doesn't start tomorrow. It does start quickly, though, and I'm getting old.”

He was even more direct about the next step. “In the next week, I'll meet with the owner,” O'Neill said, while adding: “I will have a wee look at it but I would think the club would probably be looking at somebody younger.”

Dermot Desmond and the job

The talks will go to Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s majority shareholder, after a spell that has already run far beyond the short-term plan. O'Neill was meant to be in charge for a few weeks in the autumn, but he ended up overseeing a double stint across nearly two-thirds of a season and delivered the Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

That leaves Celtic with a choice that has to be made quickly. O'Neill said, “I think I must be in consideration for the job, even though it might only be for a very short time.” He also added: “Even at that, I couldn't do a project.”

McGregor, Johnston, Sinisalo

Inside the dressing room, the message was different. Alistair Johnston said O'Neill had “earned the right to take a couple of weeks to think about it,” while Viljami Sinisalo said: “He's not bad is he? He's what he's done to the group in terms of instilling that confidence and belief is a job like no other. We all love him. We've been really glad to have him.”

Callum McGregor also made clear he expected O'Neill to remain in the picture. “Martin O'Neill has been fantastic and he's been backed up by amazing staff members. I'm sure he will be involved in some capacity. He drove this team on and he can enjoy his summer,” the captain said. O'Neill, though, left the stronger doubt hanging over the club’s decision: “My daughters would be all for it but I'm not sure if my wife would.”