Celtic 4-0 Falkirk – “It was the most surreal feeling in the world,” Martin O’Neill

Martin O’Neill reflected on what last night at Paradise meant to him personally after the interim manager stepped up when asked to do so by Dermot Desmond following Monday night’s events where Brendan Rodgers resigned and Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond released a somewhat unhinged statement addressing all the issues from his point of view to the Celtic support.

Peter Lawwell, Dermot Desmond, Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay
Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell, Dermot Desmond, largest shareholder and Michael Nicholson CEO are seen during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Desmond was at the game last night alongside Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell, CEO Michael Nicholson and CFO Chris McKay, all targets for the fans ‘Sack the Board’ peaceful protest outside of the stadium which was attended by perhaps around 5000 supporters.

Celtic fans protest
Celtic supporters gather outside the stadium to demand the removal of the board ahead of the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

At his post-match media conference  Martin O’Neill was asked this question: For you emotionally, on the touchline, fans singing your name, celebrating the goals in your typical style as well, just how was that for you?

The current Celtic manager replied: “I have to say it was the most surreal feeling in the world. You know, you’re sitting, honestly, in a coffee shop on a Monday afternoon in London. Coffee was dreadful by the way. And I get a call and it was the last thing on earth, maybe, that I would ever do another game.

“And then, having just come out of talkSPORT. I didn’t actually say, or did I, that it would be a good thing for the Premiership if Hearts won the league. But I thought I said, paradoxically, it wouldn’t be great for the league if (the)Rangers or Celtic weren’t involved. And I’m talking a lot of bollocks really. Nothing has changed over the years.”

Classic Martin O’Neill and listen to the laughs in that small media room at Celtic Park from the hacks, who had better watch what they say about the Irishman because he’ll find them at a later conference and make them suffer. Just like he did the last time he was the manager of Celtic.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, signed copies by Danny McGrain available from celticstarbooks.com 

Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final book. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain  Danny McGrain PLUS you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, and you’ll only be charged for postage on one book.  Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie - Putting on the Style both by David Potter
Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star
Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties
Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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