Chris’s Sutton: Martin O’Neill, would you take the Celtic job if it were offered to you? O’Neill: response with a word that will makes you turn up your nose.
Chris Sutton reacts as Martin O’Neill confirms he’ll stay on as Celtic manager after Hibernian game
This won’t be Martin O’Neill’s final game as the Celtic manager.
It was suggested that Celtic’s trip to Hibernian on Sunday afternoon was going to be O’Neill’s final game in charge, after he took over on an interim basis from Brendan Rodgers last month.
But before the Celtic players could walk onto the Easter Road pitch, O’Neill shared that he is going to be staying on a little longer, as the Wilfried Nancy deal drags on.
The champions of Scotland host Dundee on Wednesday night in the Premiership, and O’Neill told Sky Sports that he ‘got a call’ on Saturday to inform him that he will still be in charge in midweek.
Chris Sutton on Martin O’Neill to stay on as Celtic manager
This is music to the ears of the Celtic Park faithful because many are calling for O’Neill to stay on much longer, regardless of when Nancy will be announced.
Speaking on Sky Sports Football (30/11/25), Chris Sutton thinks the fans would prefer to keep O’Neill going because ‘it’s working.’
The former striker noted the huge games the legendary Irishman has won, including the League Cup semi-final win over Rangers, and the win in Europe on Thursday night at Feyenoord.
“Maybe so (it’s a concern the Nancy deal is dragging on),” stated Sutton. “But with every passing win, there are Celtic fans who are thinking, ‘it’s working, at this moment in time.’
“A final is coming up in a couple of weeks. Why not leave Martin in charge? It seems like they are well down the line with Wilfried Nancy, and it looks like that is going to happen.
“In terms of box ticking, when you look at what Martin had to take over, turmoil and tension. But, in terms of box ticking, beating Rangers, getting to a cup final, closing the gap on Hearts, and now Celtic having a real chance, in terms of qualifying for the Europa League (knockout stages).
“Martin has done a terrific job in such a short space of time. Whether it was possible to enhance his reputation from the first time around. I think he has done that.
“It’s interesting Martin is going to stay on until Wednesday. Maybe this is going to continue for the rest of the season.”
Celtic’s upcoming games
Nancy prefers a 3-4-3 formation. It’s a big change when he comes in, but he won’t have much time to work on any real details because the Hoops are playing three games a week.
That’s why many want O’Neill to keep the ball rolling. Perhaps until the Rangers game after the turn of the year?
Vs Dundee (H), Premiership, Wednesday, December 3
Vs Hearts (H), Premiership, Sunday, December 7
Vs AS Roma (H), Europa League, Thursday, December 11
Vs St Mirren (N), League Cup final, Sunday, December 14
Vs Dundee United (A), Premiership, Wednesday, December 17
Vs Aberdeen (H), Premiership, Sunday, December 21
Vs Livingston (A), Premiership, Saturday, December 27
Vs Motherwell (A), Premiership, Tuesday, December 30
Vs Rangers (H), Premiership, Saturday, January 3
