Martin O'Neill Had Emotional Response To Celtic Question Ahead Of Exit

Martin O’Neill’s interim spell in charge of Celtic is coming to an end, with the Derry man set to depart the club over the coming days.

The 73-year old made a shock return to Parkhead in October, taking over after the exit of Brendan Rodgers. It was made clear at the time that his appointment would only be a short-term one as the search for a permanent manager was ongoing.

Celtic look set to appoint Wilfried Nancy over the coming days, although it seems likely that Martin O’Neill will be in charge for one final time against Dundee on Wednesday evening.

Martin O’Neill Had Emotional Response To Celtic Question Ahead Of Exit

Celtic would secure a 2-1 victory away to Hibernian this afternoon, ensuring that Martin O’Neill maintained his 100 per cent winning record in domestic competition since his return. Having been eight points behind Hearts in the league when he was appointed, they now sit two points back from the Edinburgh club having also played a game less.

Speaking to BBC Scotland after the game, he was asked what the club meant to him as his second spell in charge came towards its end. O’Neill would give an emotional answer in his typically cheeky style.

‘It means everything, absolutely everything’ ❤️

Martin O’Neill on what Celtic means to him as he approaches what could be his final game in charge of the club on Wednesday night.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/Ols42cN5QF

— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) November 30, 2025

Everything. Absolutely everything.

I remember the time my father said to me when I was trying to become a professional footballer, ‘if Celtic ever come for you, you go there’.

Celtic did come and watch me play when I was playing for a team called Distillery in the Irish league and I was hopeless, so they never came back again.

The second best thing is managing the team…

They’ve come for me twice, over a period of… you haven’t changed a bit. I think I have!

Martin O’Neill has been a Celtic legend for over two decades, but the way he has conducted himself since his return to Glasgow had only endeared himself to the club’s supporters even further.

While a new era is set to begin with the appointment of the next manager, you get the sense that quite a few fans will be sad to see the current interim manager leave.

Martin O’Neill Had Emotional Response To Celtic Question Ahead Of Exit

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