Celtic announce Martin O’Neill appointment for sensational fourth stint at age 74

Celtic have confirmed the appointment of Martin O’Neill as their new permanent manager.

As reported by talkSPORT last week, the 74-year-old returns to Celtic Park on a one-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months.

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O’Neill first took charge in 2000 and won three league titles, three Scottish Cups and a Scottish League Cup during a five-year stint.

The Northern Irishman returned as interim boss in October following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, and left two months later.

However, Celtic sacked his replacement Wilfried Nancy at the start of 2026 and brought O’Neill back on a deal until the end of the season.

Celtic went on to win the Scottish title when they beat Hearts 3-1 on the final day.

And now, O’Neill is back for what will be a sensational fourth spell in the dugout at the age of 74, despite Celtic holding talks with ex-player Robbie Keane.

O’Neill said: “It is once again a great privilege for me to continue as Celtic manager. Last season will live long in all our memories and to be part of that success has in a big way whetted the appetite to work again for more days like those and bring our supporters those moments.

“Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the players and staff and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for bringing that level of focus, determination and talent to bear at the conclusion of the season to deliver the league and Cup double.

“I would particularly like to thank the Board for asking me back and giving me this opportunity again.

“We know of course that Celtic can never rest on past success so we are now aiming to drive forward together in the coming season as we aim to deliver again for the club and our fans.

“I thank our fans for their ongoing support, it means everything to us. I look forward to being back at Celtic Park next season when we will come together and we will strive again to bring our fans the success which that support deserves.”

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Michael Nicholson, Celtic’s chief executive, added: “We are really pleased to keep Martin as manager. His knowledge and experience proved vital to us last season and we know his leadership will be hugely important to us going forward.

“He is someone who continues to deliver, who knows how to win and a manager we have absolute confidence in to once again drive the team through the next period.

“We have important challenges ahead and the immediate priority of everyone at the club is to ensure we are ready to tackle these with confidence and deliver success again for our supporters.”

O’Neill and the Celtic chaos

When Rodgers resigned at Celtic, they were second in the Scottish Premiership and eight points behind Hearts, who just beat them 3-1.

O’Neill came in and won seven of his eight matches as interim boss, with Nancy then named as their next permanent appointment.

Nancy was dismissed after winning only two matches from eight, with one of his six defeats including a 3-1 home loss to rivals Rangers.

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Once again, Celtic opted to bring O’Neill back in the hopes of keeping their title hopes alive.

It went on to be a hugely successful decision as they finished top of the league, although their triumph wasn’t without it’s controversy.

Celtic were awarded a late penalty during their 3-2 win at Motherwell, their penultimate Scottish Premiership match of the campaign.

Referee John Beaton awarded the spot-kick for handball after a quick VAR review, but drew widespread criticism.

Celtic would have needed to beat Hearts with a three-goal swing on the final day to win the title if they drew against Motherwell.

However, Kelechi Iheanacho scored the penalty and put his side just a point behind the leaders.

Hearts led at Celtic Park through Lawrence Shankland, but goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand won it for Celtic.

It sparked a pitch invasion, and the Scottish Professional Football League had to confirm that the match was not abandoned.

Celtic then beat Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final to bag their second trophy of the season.