For months now, Celtic fans have been calling for change. But nothing has come in that regard. It looks like the club are not keen to make those changes. So, this has turned out into a bit of a tug-of-war between the board and the supporters. The recent AGM proved to be an absolute disaster, and it just showed that neither is willing to give up an inch in this matter.
One of the people that Celtic fans would like to see leave the club is chairman Peter Lawwell. He retired as CEO in the summer of 2021, after the terrible 20/21 campaign, only to return in this role soon afterwards.
Lawwell has not been a popular figure amongst the fans for a long time now, despite the domestic success the Hoops have enjoyed during his tenure. Could a Celtic legend end up replacing him as chairman?
The name being suggested is none other than Martin O'Neill. As reported by CeltsAreHere, Keith Jackson said on Hotline Live:
"I can’t see Martin O’Neill just riding off into the sunset, as you said there. I think there’s something in this for him. I think he’s rediscovered his passion, if it ever went away. I think he’s where he wants to be.
“I think there should be a role, and very possibly will be a role, for Martin O’Neill, whether it’s director of football or something, as I said, bigger and better.
“It wouldn’t surprise me. I’ve heard rumours about him potentially taking over as chairman at some point.
“I think there’s something in it for him. I mean, I think it would actually be a bit of a waste for Celtic to let him just walk away now."
Celtic legend tipped to replace Peter Lawwell as chairman
O'Neill was brought in to take charge of a struggling Celtic team after Brendan Rodgers resigned as the manager of the club, leaving Parkhead in the middle of a season for the second time in his career. The Hoops legend answered the call in an hour of need and has exceeded all expectations that must have been set upon his arrival.
Not only has he steadied the ship but he has gotten a tune out of a squad that had looked nowhere near good enough during Rodgers' time as manager. And now that he is closing in on an exit, it feels like it has come far too early.
To be very honest, keeping O'Neill around would be a good idea. He clearly has a lot to give. That being said, at 73 years of age, will he be the next chairman of Celtic?