It is a month since majority shareholder Dermot Desmond asked club legend Martin O’Neill to return to Parkhead after Brendan Rodgers’ acrimonious resignation. The 73-year-old, out of management for more than six years, arrived to a club struggling on and off the pitch — eight points behind Hearts in the Scottish Premiership after a 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle and amid fan protests against the board.
Off-field animosity continues, but O’Neill has steadied the team on the field. Thursday’s 3-1 Europa League win at Feyenoord was Celtic’s first away victory in Europe since November 2021 and O’Neill’s fifth win in six matches in charge. Under him, Celtic have closed to within four points of Hearts with a game in hand and beat Rangers to reach the League Cup final.
Asked what he thought when he took the job, O’Neill said his daughters urged him to accept while his wife warned he would “mess it up”. “I haven’t messed it up so far. It’s been great. The results are what you live by and they’ve been terrific,” he added.
In Rotterdam, Ayase Ueda put Feyenoord ahead before Yang Hyun-jun and Reo Hatate turned the game in Celtic’s favour, and Benjamin Nygren’s late goal sealed the landmark victory. It is the club’s first win in the Netherlands since 2001, when O’Neill’s first spell included knocking Ajax out of Champions League qualifying.
“We played really well,” O’Neill said. “There was a period where we were dominant, controlling the ball and exuding a lot of confidence. Going a goal behind, we could have crumbled. But we showed character and resilience and then when we got the equaliser, the confidence flooded into the side. I said to the players ‘you will get a chance to play tonight’. We took that chance.”
Celtic currently sit 21st in the 36-team Europa League table on seven points, with three group fixtures remaining: home games against Roma and Utrecht, and an away trip to Bologna. “Judging from last season, you are looking for 10 or 11 points to qualify,” O’Neill said. “It won’t be easy, but Celtic have two home games and the confidence is in the side now.”
Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy appears close to being appointed Rodgers’ permanent successor. O’Neill believes the squad can provide a solid platform for whoever takes over. “He has got some players who are big winners,” O’Neill said. “I’m sure he will lean on some of those lads and then it’s about improving some of the other players. The restoration of confidence is big and it’s keeping it going after that. Winning away from home is terrific — it gives them belief that they can come and compete.”
Celtic fans serenaded O’Neill in Rotterdam, celebrating one of their favourite sons. He won seven major honours in his first spell, and his ability to restore winning form during a testing period has enhanced his standing. “I told my two brothers who came to the game to start the chant, so they must have done so,” O’Neill joked. “Might as well enjoy it while it lasts. In the dressing room, the lads are full of it.”
Midfielder Luke McCowan, who featured in a wider role in Rotterdam, praised O’Neill’s impact. “His main message was that if we defend set-pieces well then our qualities will take over, and that was the confidence he gave us,” McCowan said. “He’s amazing, an unbelievable character. He’s able to take any heat off a serious situation and always pushes us. You can tell he’s been a top manager here and that’s why he’s so respected. His best quality is man management — he’s been class. I’d love to have seen him 20 years younger when he probably had more energy and humour.”
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer reflected that while Celtic may seek a long-term future beyond O’Neill, his early impact is unmistakable. With a group that struggled late in Rodgers’ tenure, O’Neill has delivered a major away win in Europe on a prominent stage, underscoring his continued magnetism. “Even though he’s 73 and he hasn’t done it for a number of years, he’s still got it,” the analysis concluded.
Fans echoed the sentiment on social media and message boards. Comments ranged from calls for O’Neill to remain in some advisory capacity to praise for a “brilliant display” and recognition of his experience and awareness in guiding the team through a turbulent spell.
