Martin O'Neill is staying on as Celtic manager, a decision that might be accused of short-termism but is the path of least resistance for a club still reeling from a colossal error in appointing Wilfried Nancy. At 74, O'Neill carries on like a bystander, playing the detached grandad routine. But nobody is fooled: he is an intelligent mood-setter with a big football brain and a fantastic capacity to connect with players and make them play better. Last season he led Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, digging them out of the giant hole they had buried themselves in.
O'Neill's reappointment, confirmed after he indicated a desire to carry on, is the easiest option possible. The shortlist came down to him and Robbie Keane — hardly a sign of an extensive worldwide search. There is no young continental coming in with modern thinking, no firebrand like Ange Postecoglou to rip things up and start again. In ignoring a proven winner under their nose, Celtic have chosen the risk-averse play.
“Celtic reappoint Martin O'Neill as manager, a safe choice after a past error and a shortlist of two.”
The most difficult part of the role was not the on-field stuff — O'Neill knows how to organise and motivate Celtic players and engage with supporters. The strain came from dealing with the disconnect between sections of fans and a deeply unpopular board. The issues that caused the rancour have not gone away. This is an uneasy truce that could be broken at any time. O'Neill managed his way through even when his team put in dreary performances, but they did not lack for spirit. He cast doubt on his ability to go back to the coalface one more time, but his words were never convincing. For all the draining talk, he basks in the job.