Martin O’Neill has made it clear his return to Celtic is strictly temporary, saying he is only “keeping the seat warm” for the club’s next permanent manager.
The 73-year-old, who managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005 during one of the club’s most successful periods, took over in the interim following the sudden resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday.
Rodgers’ departure was quickly followed by a strong statement from major shareholder Dermot Desmond, who accused the former manager of being “divisive, misleading and selfish” during his time at the club.
Speaking to TalkSport, O’Neill admitted he was stunned when he was asked to return.
“I took a breath and asked if it was real,” he said. “It’s hard to turn down someone who gave you the job in the first place when they had great options 25 years ago. By the time I got up off the floor, I thought maybe I should do it.”
O’Neill’s first game is against Falkirk at Celtic Park on Wednesday evening. He will be joined by former player Shaun Maloney, who has become his assistant.
The veteran manager last worked in management in 2019 with Nottingham Forest, following his spell in charge of the Republic of Ireland which ended the previous year.
His previous tenure at Celtic remains legendary, winning three league titles, three Scottish Cups, one League Cup and leading the club to the UEFA Cup final in 2003.
“It’s short-term. Celtic are probably stunned by the news of Brendan’s departure. They’re obviously looking for a permanent manager, so it’s a short-term solution,” O’Neill explained. “Interim means interim. It’s as simple as that. Celtic are looking, I suppose, for a young manager with proven ability. We want to take the club forward now.
“Naturally I had a great time at Celtic, it was a privilege. I can’t stress it enough, it’s short term until a permanent manager is appointed. I’ll just keep the seat warm.”
O’Neill joked that he might ask one of his former players for help, adding: “I might call Henrik Larsson and ask if he’s staying at the gym.”
Celtic are currently eight points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian following their 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday, and have also endured a disappointing run in Europe as well as a quiet transfer window.
In an extraordinary open letter to fans, Dermot Desmond publicly disputed Rodgers’ account of his departure, denying claims he was denied transfer control or offered an extension.
“In reality, he had the final say on all football-related matters and was consistently supported in the recruiting process, including a record investment in players he personally identified and approved,” Desmond wrote.
“Unfortunately, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fueled hostility towards members of the executive team and board of directors.
“What has failed recently is not due to our structure or model but to an individual’s desire to preserve himself at the expense of others.”
