Martin O’Neill has revealed the only Scottish club he will ever accept their managerial job after Celtic saga

Martin O’Neill wanted Celtic long haul challenge as Mark Fotheringham reveals how boss was REALLY thinking
Mark Fotheringham is convinced the Irishman would have been willing to stay on for a longer period

Martin O’Neill was up for the challenge of adding to his Celtic trophy haul before stepping aside for Wilfried Nancy.

That’s according to one of his former lieutenants, Mark Fotheringham, during his recent interim spell in the Parkhead dug-out.

O’Neill won seven of his eight games in caretaker charge after answering an emergency call from his former club following the shock departure of Brendan Rodgers.

During that sequence, the 73-year-old cut the cap on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, booked a Premier Sports Cup Final place against St Mirren this Sunday and recorded a stunning away Europa League win against Feyenoord.

His success led to some fans debating whether the club would have been better keeping the Irishman on after he brought stability to the club.

O’Neill himself, who won seven major honours in his first spell in charge as well as leading Celtic to a European final, always maintained he was happy to make way for Nancy but Fotheringham, who assisted him alongside Shaun Maloney, reckons he would have been happy to stay.

After the Frenchman lost to Hearts in his first game in charge on Sunday Fotheringham, speaking to the Scottish Sun, said: “Martin won’t tell you this, but I’m going to say it. In my mind, he was really up for the challenge of going and winning titles and cups for this club again.

“The more it was going on, the more enthusiastic he was getting. He could easily have carried on for the rest of the season. In fact, he could have done it way beyond it.

“He’d two young people and another two young coaches supporting, with a fantastic staff round him.

There’s an incredible staff underneath the manager which supports whoever comes in.

“It’s maybe romantic, but I would have loved to see the gaffer build a team for the future that could go and compete in Europe again. When I was a young Celtic player he was taking scalps, beating Ajax, Juventus, getting the team to the UEFA Cup final.

We knew the board had the plan to bring in a new manager. No problem. But I can’t deny, it would have been brilliant to see the gaffer at least stay for Hampden on Sunday and leave with a trophy success.

“Now, though, it’s about Wilfried — and here’s hoping Celtic triumph. The new manager has inherited elite-level operators who know what it takes to keep the team ticking along and know what it takes to win. I’m a big Celtic fan and I really hope Wilfried can be successful.”

Martin O’Neill was eager to take on a long-term challenge at Celtic, and Mark Fotheringham, his former assistant, believes the Irishman would have stayed on for a longer period. O’Neill’s interim spell at Celtic was marked by impressive performances, including wins over Falkirk and Rangers, and a European victory away to Feyenoord ¹ ² ³.

Fotheringham, who worked closely with O’Neill, praised his former boss, saying it was a “real privilege” to work under him. He highlighted O’Neill’s passion for the club and his desire to see Celtic succeed. O’Neill himself expressed his enjoyment of the interim role, but didn’t expect the club to offer him the job permanently ³ ⁴.

O’Neill’s leadership style and experience have been credited with steadying the ship at Celtic, and his ability to connect with players has been praised. With his impressive track record, including three league titles and a UEFA Cup Final appearance, O’Neill is a beloved figure among Celtic fans