Celtic Mark One Year Since Rodgers Exit With O'Neill Still in Charge
A year after Brendan Rodgers resigned, Martin O'Neill remains Celtic manager after 16 league wins in 17 games, but European failures and board tensions leave fans divided on the club's direction.
Martin O'Neill is still in charge at Celtic 12 months after Brendan Rodgers quit as manager, though his tenure has run over two spells split by a 33-day interlude under Wilfried Nancy. O'Neill said the year had been long but satisfying, adding that the club had rejuvenated him after his time as a pundit. Asked about his future, he gave no indication he was preparing to leave as he spoke ahead of the Dundee United match.
Domestically the record is strong. O'Neill's side have lost only one of 10 league games this season, scoring 25 goals and conceding six, to lead Rangers in the title race. Last season they fought back to secure a 56th league title and fifth in a row, clinching it against their rivals at Celtic Park on the final day despite Hearts having led for much of the campaign. Sixteen wins in 17 league games since the closing stages of last season suggests progress on paper.
But performances and European results have raised concerns. Celtic exited the Champions League and sit at the foot of the Europa League after three games, with heavy defeats to LASK, Ferencvaros and Benfica. Podcasters and supporters have pointed to the squad's depth, with Tino Callaghan describing the bench on European nights as evidence that the squad is ill-equipped at that level. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton characterised the side as flat-track bullies.
The board's recruitment is also under scrutiny. Callaghan argued that money in the bank is no use unless it is spent effectively, praising the signings of Camilo Duran and Mika Baur but noting the unresolved defensive midfield problem and the burden on Callum McGregor. Daily Record writer Michael Gannon said O'Neill has been used as a human shield because he is the only figure at the club who regularly fronts up to questions.
Fans are split. Some, like Michael and Johnno, feel Rodgers has been vindicated and that the club has not improved since he left, with Johnno pointing to underwhelming performances and defensive chaos. Frank argued that two of three major trophies cannot be bad and that losing only one league game is commendable. Callaghan said he does not expect O'Neill to stay beyond this year, suggesting the manager wants to leave with another title and remain conscious of his legacy.
Image: SNS / BBC Sport
