Celtic bring back Martin O’Neill for sensational fourth stint at age 74

Celtic are set to re-appoint Martin O’Neill, talkSPORT understands.

The 74-year-old is poised to return 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 will return for what will be a sensational fourth spell in the dugout at the age of 74.

Reacting to the news live on talkSPORT Drive, Gabby Agbonlahor said: “I knew it, I knew it!

“So many people said, ‘He won’t stay on, look at his age, he’s 74’. I was like, ‘Listen, I know this guy, I worked under him’.

“Winning the league, he will have that feeling in his mind of, ‘Why not?'”

Agbonlahor added: “What he did last season, coming back and saving Celtic’s season… coming back twice, and then winning the league as well, why would you not?

“I don’t blame him, I really don’t blame him. He will get the right players in, and he’s a proper man-manager, the best I played under, and a lot of players will say the same.”

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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.

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.

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

More to follow…