Journalist Keith Jackson believes Martin O’Neill’s remarkable impact as Celtic interim manager may extend far beyond his short spell in the dugout.
With Peter Lawwell’s position under intense scrutiny following the chaotic AGM, Jackson revealed he has heard growing rumours that O’Neill could return to Celtic in a senior boardroom role, including, potentially, as director of football or even as chairman.
O’Neill has quickly restored structure and belief to a squad that had lost its way, delivering five wins from six and a historic Europa League victory over Feyenoord. His short tenure has not only steadied the season but transformed the atmosphere around the club.
For many supporters, his presence has brought a sense of reassurance and leadership that has been lacking at board level for some time. Jackson’s view is that Celtic would be wasting a major asset if O’Neill were simply allowed to exit quietly once Nancy takes over.
Calls from sections of the support for O’Neill to remain in a senior long-term role have grown louder in recent days. Many feel the club needs experienced football figures embedded at decision-making level, not just in the dugout.
Jackson’s comments feed directly into that discussion, suggesting that the rumours he has heard point towards the possibility of O’Neill stepping into a strategic position such as director of football, a role some fans believe is overdue at Celtic Park.
Against the backdrop of boardroom unrest and supporter anger, Jackson argued that O’Neill’s experience, personality and understanding of the club’s demands make him a compelling candidate to guide Celtic through the next phase.
With Nancy about to begin his tenure and Lawwell facing calls to step aside, the journalist believes Celtic may already be considering a wider restructuring of their football operations.
He said: (Hotline Live), “I can’t see Martin O’Neill just riding off into the sunset, as you said there. I think there’s something in this for him. I think he’s rediscovered his passion, if it ever went away. I think he’s where he wants to be.
“I think there should be a role, and very possibly will be a role, for Martin O’Neill, whether it’s director of football or something, as I said, bigger and better.
“It wouldn’t surprise me. I’ve heard rumours about him potentially taking over as chairman at some point.
“I think there’s something in it for him. I mean, I think it would actually be a bit of a waste for Celtic to let him just walk away now.”
Jackson’s comments go right to the centre of the debate about Celtic’s leadership. With Lawwell under huge pressure and trust in the board badly damaged, more supporters are beginning to warm to the idea of O’Neill taking on a senior role behind the scenes.
It’s easy to see why, he’s a respected figure who knows the club inside out and has already shown how quickly he can lift the mood around the place.
Whether Celtic actually make that kind of change is still unclear, but Jackson’s point reflects a growing feeling that O’Neill shouldn’t simply hand the reins to Nancy and then disappear. His return has reminded people of the value of having strong football voices involved at the top of the club.
Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Semi Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 2, 2025 Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill celebrates their third goal scored by Celtic’s Callum Osmand Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
With Nancy expected to arrive next week, the conversation around O’Neill’s long-term future will only increase.
And if the whispers Jackson has heard turn out to be true, Celtic could be heading for real change behind the scenes, with O’Neill playing a major part in shaping what comes next.
