McGregor Sends Emotional Farewell to Martin O’Neill as Celtic Edge Dundee 1–0, Insisting Team Must Perform at Top Level No Matter Who Is in Charge
Celtic captain Callum McGregor delivered a powerful and emotional message to outgoing manager Martin O’Neill after the Hoops secured a hard-fought 1–0 win over Dundee at Celtic Park on Wednesday night. The victory kept Celtic level on points at the top of the Scottish Premiership and provided a fitting farewell for O’Neill, who departs having won every domestic match during his brief second spell in charge.
The decisive moment came early in the first half when Daizen Maeda headed in the winner to make it 1–0 a strike that came at a physical cost when Maeda suffered a heavy collision with a Dundee defender but returned to play, bloodied and determined.
Speaking after the match, McGregor reflected on the win and the squad’s responsibility going forward.
> “Obviously it was a good three points,” McGregor said. “That’s what you come here for. Midweek games off the back of a busy week can be difficult, but we started well. We should have been out of sight by half-time, but a couple of moments didn’t drop for us.”
> “Martin has been fantastic and we wanted to give him a proper send-off, but as players, we know we have to perform at our absolute best no matter who is in charge. That’s the standard Celtic demand, and we’re focused on maintaining it.”
Celtic Controlled, Maeda Delivered
Celtic dominated possession and territorial advantage from the start. In the 12th minute, Maeda’s header a result of sustained pressure and aggressive attacking play gave the Hoops the lead. Despite conceding nothing, Celtic carved out several other opportunities, though the finishing lacked precision.
Defensively, Celtic held firm under pressure. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and the back‑line marshalled Dundee’s sporadic advances, ensuring the narrow advantage held until the final whistle.
A Fitting Farewell for O’Neill
Wednesday’s match marked the end of O’Neill’s short but impactful return. The veteran coach stepped in following the club’s turbulent period and, over his tenure, restored unity and results, culminating in this final victory.
For the players, the win was more than about results it was a tribute. McGregor admitted the squad had spoken about giving O’Neill the send-off he deserved.
> “Martin deserved this,” McGregor added. “He came in when the club needed him and answered the call brilliantly. But beyond tonight, we know as players the responsibility remains on us to perform, regardless of who’s managing the team.”
Fans stayed long after the final whistle, applauding O’Neill. He acknowledged their support with a lap of appreciation a touching end to a transitional chapter.
Eyes Now Turn to the New Era Under Wilfried Nancy
With Nancy now confirmed as the new permanent manager, Celtic begin a fresh chapter.
The squad he inherits arrives buoyed by momentum: five consecutive domestic wins, rising confidence, and belief in themselves. Leaders like McGregor have made it clear the aim is to maintain high standards, irrespective of who is at the helm.
> “We’ve got to perform at our top level no matter who is in charge,” McGregor said. “That’s the standard Celtic expect, and that’s what we’ll continue to deliver.”
Celtic return to league action this weekend with three points, renewed purpose, and the weight of expectation ahead of a new era under Nancy. The message is clear: the club’s identity and ambition remain unchanged, whatever the manager’s name.
