It looked like the search was over for the next Celtic manager. News broke late last week that Martin O’Neill would be back in charge on a one-year deal. Since then, there has been no more news. And that’s raising questions from worried Celtic fans which are spreading fast.
The news that it was to be O’Neill again was, on the whole, well received. There were some obvious concerns over it being just one year, and about his age and health. But the majority of fans were happy to prepare to welcome his return, again. And almost as importantly, many were just relieved it wasn’t to be Robbie Keane.
The club’s communications have often been criticised. Plenty of social media messages wishing current and past players a happy birthday, but often very limited news on the points that really matter. That seems to be the case with O’Neill’s potential appointment.
Celtic fans worry with no official O’Neill news yet
While the fans want better news and updates, no one wants to see the flurry of statements we now typically see from the second and third-placed sides in last season's SPFL. But we do want to know what’s happening re the new manager. And the lack of news RE O’Neill isn’t helpful at all. It’s fuelling more fans speculating about conspiracies and behind the scenes issues.
The lack of news raises the immediate question of whether it is actually happening at all. Reportedly O’Neill returned to Glasgow earlier this week. So any delay could be down to crossing the Ts and dotting the Is on a contract. Or finalising a decent signing policy and transfer budget.
Or maybe it’s not O’Neill taking on the role after all. He could have changed his mind, or the final negotiations have hit a brick wall. Maybe O’Neill is more in line for a background job, overseeing a younger manager for example.
Time for some official news please Celtic
The silence in terms of an announcement is hugely unhelpful. Although, to be fair, you imagine everyone involved would want to communicate the news as soon as they can. But if there is nothing to say and negotiations are underway with other parties instead, then it could be a while yet.
That would take us back into a void of worrying about Keane still being possible, or wondering who else might be available. It would leave fans concerned about the need for a fast start on recruitment and preparations for next season. Especially with a Champions League playoff to get through.
Right now, the only answer really is for news on what’s happening. An announcement or some form of holding message. But the latter would need to reassure rather than just raise the concern levels further. Over to you Celtic.
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