Martin O’Neill has downplayed his return to Celtic Park, insisting he is only “keeping the seat warm” until a permanent manager is appointed following Brendan Rodgers’ dramatic resignation.
The 73-year-old former Hoops boss, who left Celtic two decades ago after a glittering spell, was persuaded to step in as interim head coach after what he described as a “shock call” from major shareholder Dermot Desmond.
“I took a gasp of breath and asked if this was real,” O’Neill told TalkSport. “It’s difficult 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 pulled myself off the floor, I thought maybe I should do it.”
O’Neill’s first match back in charge will be at home to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday. He will be assisted by former Celtic player Shaun Maloney, who also served as part of his backroom staff during his time managing the Republic of Ireland.
Despite his legendary status among fans, O’Neill was keen to emphasise the temporary nature of his appointment.
“It’s short term,” he said. “Celtic are probably stunned at the news Brendan left. They are obviously seeking a permanent manager, so it’s a short-term fit. Interim does mean interim. It’s as simple as that.
“Celtic are looking for, I assume, a young coach with proven ability. We want to pull the club forward now. Naturally, I had a super time at Celtic; it was a privilege. I can’t emphasise enough — it’s short term until a permanent manager is appointed. I’ll just keep the seat warm.”
O’Neill even joked about calling on a familiar face from his first spell in Glasgow’s East End. “Maybe I’ll give Henrik Larsson a ring — ask if he’s been staying in the gym,” he said with a grin.
O’Neill’s return comes amid turmoil at the club, following Rodgers’ abrupt exit on Monday and a blistering public statement from Dermot Desmond that laid bare the depth of division between the ex-manager and the board.
Desmond accused Rodgers of creating a “toxic atmosphere” within the club and described his conduct as “divisive, misleading, and self-serving.”
In an extraordinary open letter to supporters, the Irish billionaire dismissed Rodgers’ claims that he was not offered a contract extension and rejected suggestions that signings were imposed on him.
“In reality, he was given final say over all football matters and was consistently backed in the recruitment process, including record investment in players he personally identified and approved,” Desmond wrote.
“Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading, and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board.”
The fallout has left Celtic reeling, both on and off the pitch. The Scottish champions are eight points behind early league leaders Heart of Midlothian after Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle, while their European campaign has been underwhelming and their summer recruitment heavily criticised by supporters.
For many fans, O’Neill’s steady hand provides a sense of familiarity and stability amid the chaos. During his first tenure between 2000 and 2005, the Northern Irishman guided Celtic to three league titles, three Scottish Cups, one League Cup, and a memorable run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final.
His achievements and charisma earned him near-mythic status among the Parkhead faithful — but even O’Neill acknowledges that his job this time is to stabilise rather than rebuild.
“It’s about giving the club some breathing space,” he said. “Celtic have the players and the supporters to come through this. I’m just here to help them until the next man steps in.”
Rodgers has yet to respond publicly to Desmond’s accusations, but his sudden departure and the fallout that followed have left Celtic entering a new chapter — one that begins, fittingly, with a familiar face back in the dugout.
