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Celtic Re-sign O’Neill After Double, Amid Keane Protest

6/12/2026

30 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On 2026-06-11 Celtic announced Martin O’Neill signed a one-year contract with an option for a second year as manager.
Martin O’Neill delivered a Premiership and Scottish Cup double and posted 19 wins, two draws and two losses in 23 league games.
Fans protested a Robbie Keane appointment, prompting shareholder Dermot Desmond, interim chair Brian Wilson and CEO Michael Nicholson to back Martin O’Neill.

History

Historical Context

After sacking Bruce Rioch in August 1996, Arsenal appointed Frenchman Arsène Wenger—unveiled on 22 September and given a three-year £2 million deal—making him the Premier League’s first French manager. His success, highlighted by the 1998 league-FA Cup double, set a precedent echoed in Celtic’s 2026 decision to keep Martin O’Neill, backed by owner Dermot Desmond and interim chair Brian Wilson.

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Story summary

On 2026-06-11 Celtic announced Martin O’Neill signed a one-year contract with an option for a second year as manager.
Martin O’Neill delivered a Premiership and Scottish Cup double and posted 19 wins, two draws and two losses in 23 league games.
Fans protested a Robbie Keane appointment, prompting shareholder Dermot Desmond, interim chair Brian Wilson and CEO Michael Nicholson to back Martin O’Neill.

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