Celtic appoint Martin O'Neill as permanent manager on one-year deal
Synopsis
Martin O'Neill is back at Celtic — permanently. The 74-year-old, who delivered nine trophies in his first spell including a run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final, has now sealed a domestic double in his second stint and earned a one-year contract. It is one of Scottish football's more unlikely comeback stories, compressed into a single chaotic season.
Key Takeaways
Celtic have appointed Martin O'Neill as permanent manager on a one-year contract with an option to extend, announced on 11 June .
O'Neill, 74 , guided Celtic to their 56th league title and the Scottish Cup last season — a domestic double.
He originally rejoined on an interim basis in October , won all eight domestic matches, then returned again after Wilfried Nancy 's tenure.
His first Celtic spell ( 2000–2005 ) produced nine major trophies and a UEFA Cup final appearance in Seville in 2003 .
Interim chairman Brian Wilson described the appointment as the start of a busy summer rebuild.
Celtic have confirmed the permanent appointment of Martin O'Neill as manager on a one-year contract, with an option to extend for a further season, the Scottish Premiership champions announced on Thursday, 11 June. The deal cements O'Neill's return to the club he last managed nearly two decades ago, following a season in which he guided Celtic to a domestic double.
The Appointment
O'Neill, 74, first rejoined Celtic on an interim basis in October last year, stepping in after Brendan Rodgers' departure. He won all eight domestic matches he oversaw in that initial stint, with the only blemish a defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League. He subsequently made way for Wilfried Nancy in December before being recalled to steer the club through the business end of the season.
A Historic Domestic Double
O'Neill's second return yielded Celtic's 56th league title, secured after the club won its final seven consecutive league matches. The championship triumph was followed by Scottish Cup success, completing a domestic double that will rank among the more remarkable turnarounds in recent Scottish football history. This comes amid a period of transition at Celtic, with multiple managerial changes compressed into a single campaign.
What O'Neill Said
In a statement released by the club, O'Neill expressed his pride at continuing in the role. 'It is once again a great privilege for me to continue as Celtic manager. Last season will live long in all our memories, and being part of that success has only increased the desire to achieve more,' he said. He added: 'We know Celtic can never stand still on past achievements, so our focus is already on moving forward together and delivering more success for the club and our supporters.'
Club Leadership Backs the Move
Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson welcomed the appointment, citing O'Neill's leadership and experience as central to the club's recent achievements. 'I warmly welcome Martin's re-appointment and look forward to more of the same leadership, inspiration, and success he has delivered for the club,' Wilson said. He described the season's results as a strong platform for the campaign ahead, adding that the club would ensure it is well-positioned to compete with O'Neill at the helm during what he called a busy summer.
O'Neill's Celtic Legacy
O'Neill's first spell at Celtic Park — from 2000 to 2005 — remains one of the most decorated in the club's history. He delivered nine major trophies, including a domestic treble in his debut season of 2000-01, and famously guided Celtic to the UEFA Cup final in Seville in 2003. His return now sets up a fresh European and domestic challenge, with the club and its supporters expecting the momentum of last season to carry forward.
Point of View
Not building a long-term project. A one-year deal with an option year is not a statement of ambition; it is a vote of short-term confidence. The deeper question is whether a 74-year-old manager, however decorated, can attract and retain the calibre of player Celtic need to compete seriously in Europe. The domestic double flatters a Scottish Premiership that remains financially and competitively thin. The real test — as it always is for Celtic — comes in European qualifying, where the margin for error is far narrower than in Glasgow.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Celtic appointed Martin O'Neill as permanent manager?
Celtic appointed O'Neill permanently after he guided the club to a domestic double last season, winning the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup. His results — including winning the final seven league matches — made the case for continuity.
How long is Martin O'Neill's contract at Celtic?
O'Neill has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further season. The deal was confirmed by Celtic on 11 June.
What did Martin O'Neill achieve in his first spell at Celtic?
In his first spell from 2000 to 2005, O'Neill won nine major trophies, including a domestic treble in 2000-01, and led Celtic to the UEFA Cup final in Seville in 2003.
How did O'Neill return to Celtic this time?
O'Neill initially rejoined Celtic on an interim basis in October after Brendan Rodgers left the club. He won all eight domestic matches before making way for Wilfried Nancy in December, then returned again to lead the side through the latter stages of the season.
Who is Celtic's interim chairman and what did he say about the appointment?
Brian Wilson is Celtic's interim chairman. He welcomed the appointment, saying O'Neill's leadership and experience were key to last season's success and that the club would ensure it is well-positioned for the season ahead.
