Story perspectives

Celtic Reappoints Martin O'Neill, Ends Search

6/6/2026

Summary

O’Neill Returns

Celtic stopped its manager search at 5 p.m. and said it will re-appoint the coach it dismissed in December.
The club ruled out former Ireland striker Robbie Keane as a candidate.
Martin O’Neill, who holds a one-year contract with a 12-month option, agreed to return after a phone call from owner Dermot Desmond.
Celtic will formally announce O’Neill’s appointment on Monday.

Summary

Celtic Targets Arconte

Celtic have identified French winger Taïryk Arconte as a key target for the upcoming transfer window.
Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren are also linked with possible exits after one season.
Stephen McManus joins the backroom staff alongside assistant Shaun Maloney and coaches Mark Fotheringham and Gavin Strachan.
Supporters calling themselves Celtic Fans for the Liberation of Palestine displayed graffiti opposing a Robbie Keane appointment.

Summary

O'Neill Wins Title

O'Neill signed a one-year contract to remain Celtic manager through the 2026-27 season.
Wilfried Nancy was dismissed 33 days after being appointed permanently, ending his brief spell at Celtic.
O'Neill returned after Nancy’s sacking and led Celtic to a league-title clincher by overturning Hearts on the final day at Parkhead.
During his interim spell O'Neill delivered a League and Cup double, highlighted by the decisive win over Hearts.

History

Historical Context

In 1967 Jock Stein led Celtic to a 2–1 win over Inter Milan in Lisbon, making the club the first British side to claim the European Cup. The 45,000-spectator final highlighted Celtic’s attacking style against Inter’s catenaccio and forged the celebrated “Lisbon Lions” legacy. Celtic’s recent hiring of an experienced coach mirrors Stein’s swift intervention, a tactic still viewed as essential to repeat that success.

1 of 4

O’Neill Returns

Celtic stopped its manager search at 5 p.m. and said it will re-appoint the coach it dismissed in December.
The club ruled out former Ireland striker Robbie Keane as a candidate.
Martin O’Neill, who holds a one-year contract with a 12-month option, agreed to return after a phone call from owner Dermot Desmond.
Celtic will formally announce O’Neill’s appointment on Monday.

1 / 4