Football May 30, 2026

Celtic win Scottish Premiership title: Martin O'Neill keeps door open to stay on at Parkhead - 'I am rejuvenated'

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Celtic win Scottish Premiership title: Martin O'Neill keeps door open to stay on at Parkhead - 'I am rejuvenated'

Martin O'Neill has kept the door open to staying on at Celtic after delivering a dramatic Scottish Premiership title, saying the club has given him life again.

O'Neill came out of retirement twice to help turn Celtic's fortunes around this campaign, firstly stepping in following the departure of Brendan Rodgers and then after following Wilfried Nancy's disastrous 33 days in charge.

The 74-year-old could yet deliver the double with a Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline on May 23 where questions will again be asked of his long-term plans.

In the aftermath of Celtic's 3-1 triumph over Hearts at Parkhead, O'Neill spoke of his gratitude at the club making his feel "rejuvenated".

"The players and coaching staff have given me a reason to live! That's not to say my family haven't! But this is the most special place on earth," O'Neill said.

"When there is unison in this stadium it is a sight to behold and obviously the players have been magnificent, optimised by the captain but we could not have won it without the supporters.

"I'm a bit part in proceedings. The coaching staff have been magnificent, but you have to have a response to that. I just think the players see me every day and they think 'he's a terribly old man and what is he doing here!'

"But they have given me a rejuvenation, seriously, I am rejuvenated. Away back in October, I was just having a coffee on the King's Road down in London, enjoying retirement, although never really enjoying retirement, and I get a call to come back and then I get a call again in January.

"Obviously I thought the days here of me lifting a trophy in front of these fans at Celtic Park was well and truly gone.

"I don't know about next season. It does take its toll."

Your Site' Chris Sutton won three titles during O'Neill's first spell in Glasgow, but believes this one tops them all.

"It's all about Martin O'Neill, magic Martin. How he has turned this around, I couldn't tell you.

"Celtic have stuttered and spluttered this season but Martin has got the old Honda Civic roaring again. When it mattered, a magnificent seven wins on the trot to take Celtic over the line.

"You wouldn't be human if you didn't sympathise with Hearts, they have had a magnificent season. They have been top and held their own all the way.

"This may be Martin O'Neill's biggest ever success in management."

Your Site' James McFadden added: "It is unbelievable what Martin O'Neill has achieved this season.

"To come in in the first instance and steady the ship, the club was a mess. He was in for a short time and he managed to turn it around leave them in a good position.

"To turn it around and turn Celtic into a team that is lifting another Premiership title is quite incredible. We've spoken about legends at this club but you can't understate what this man has done today.

"He was written off, even in the interim period. He has shown he can come in and get the best out of what is available to him. It hasn't been vintage football but it is winning football."

Some of the current Celtic players were not born the first time O'Neill was leading Celtic to silverware, but they are full of gratitude to the man who delivered their 14th title in the last 15 seasons.

Defender Alistair Johnston returned from injury for the title run-in and told Your Site it will take a while to sink in.

"There are no words to describe it. What in the world was that, it's the best feeling ever when you realise you have an empty goal and you are running it in.

"It is the greatest league win of all time and we have won a lot of leagues here. There is something about this club.

"Martin O'Neill is a winner. You've got to build him a statue. He just finds a way to win and it has been unbelievable playing for him this year and I'm just so happy we are able to give him this and then we have a cup final to go for in a week."

Tags:

football news

Share this article

Related Posts

Anthony Gordon transfer news: Barcelona complete £69m signing of England international winger from Newcastle

Anthony Gordon transfer news: Barcelona complete £69m signing of England international winger from Newcastle

Barcelona have completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.Your Site News understands the fee is £69.3m (€80m) inclusive of add-ons.He was...

Arne Slot: Liverpool head coach sacked a year after Premier League title win following fifth-place finish this season

Arne Slot: Liverpool head coach sacked a year after Premier League title win following fifth-place finish this season

Arne Slot has been sacked as head coach of Liverpool.The Dutchman departs only a year after leading the Reds to their 20th league title, following a d...

PSG vs Arsenal: Sky Sports writers select combined line-ups ahead of Champions League final in Budapest

PSG vs Arsenal: Sky Sports writers select combined line-ups ahead of Champions League final in Budapest

The Champions League final is set. On May 30, holders Paris Saint-Germain will aim to defend their title in Budapest while Arsenal look to lift the tr...

Arsenal's co-chair reveals secrets of how Kroenke family went from furious fan protests to Premier League title glory and dynasty planning

Arsenal's co-chair reveals secrets of how Kroenke family went from furious fan protests to Premier League title glory and dynasty planning

Josh Kroenke smiles at the mention of Max Dowman's breakaway goal in Arsenal's win over Everton in March. It ranks as one of the defining moments of a...

Raheem Sterling: Former England international arrested on suspicion of drug driving, Sky News understands

Raheem Sterling: Former England international arrested on suspicion of drug driving, Sky News understands

Former England international Raheem Sterling has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving, according to Sky News.The 31-year-old, who joined Dutch c...

Summer transfer window 2026 dates: When is Deadline Day for Premier League and EFL clubs to sign players?

Summer transfer window 2026 dates: When is Deadline Day for Premier League and EFL clubs to sign players?

The summer transfer window is nearly upon us. Here are all the key dates. The transfer window officially opens for business on Monday June 15 with Dea...