Wilfried Nancy, Head Coach of Columbus Crew SC, looks on during the MLS match between New England Revolution and Columbus Crew at Gillette Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
And it’s exactly the same message he’ll be giving to Wilfried Nancy if his opinion is sought by the incoming Celtic manager. “I’m sure he’ll get into his stride. He’s managed, he knows how to manage,” O’Neill said.
On whether coming back to answer Celtic’s call in an hour of need, endangers his already well established legendary status at Celtic, O’Neill was clear that this was not a concern of his at any stage. However he acknowledged that there were risks involved in agreeing on an interim return to Celtic two decades after leaving the club in 2005.
Martin O’Neill of Celtic applauds the fans after winning his last game in charge, The Tennents Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Dundee United, at Hampden Park on May 28, 2005. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
“I did take a risk but the risk was not about my legacy. I couldn’t care less about my legacy. The risk was coming back and not doing well. That is the risk you always take in management,” Martin said.
“Would I have taken the same opportunity at some other club? I’m not sure, particularly when you have no time to prepare. It wasn’t as if I was coming in during pre-season and getting ready and getting to know players.
“I stepped in and the first time I saw all of those players together was on the Wednesday morning before the Falkirk game. That was the risk, especially as the players had lost a couple of games and the confidence wasn’t so high.
Jock Stein, stadium image at Celtic Park, 2018. Photo Imago
“But I don’t worry about legacy. If you want to talk about legacy, just talk about Jock Stein – the rest of us are just followers after that. The worry for me was about not doing well. Can I manage? I think I can manage, believe it or not.”
We think so too Martin, in fact you’re up there with the very best, maybe just a step behind Big Jock who won the Greatest Prize.
GREEN FRIDAY SALE AT CELTIC STAR BOOKS NOW ON!
Green Friday Sale Now ON – All books shown now HALF PRICE at just £10 each!
Green Friday Sale Now on at Celtic Star Books, all books other than David Potter’s Celtic in the Eighties, are now HALF PRICE! Great Christmas Shopping bargains, choose from Celtic in the Thirties, volumes One and Two, Harry Hood – Twice as Good, Bould Bhoys – Glory to Their Name – The Story of Celtic’s First Title Win, Invincible, Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style, Majic Stan and the King of Japan – Gordon Strachan’s first season at Celtic and there are also a few remaining copies of Alec McNair – Celtic’s Icicle.
All these books shown below are now HALF PRICE at only a TENNER each and please note that you will only be charged postage on the first book in your order, so order two or more and get FREE postage on the second book onwards.
Shop now at Celticstarbooks.com and support the great historical writing from our authors on The Celtic Star. High quality hardback books and the best Celtic writers all in one place. Also if you are ordering any of Matt Corr’s books he’ll be happy to add a personal dedication, just ask in notes when ordering and Matt will do the rest!
Half Price Sale Now on – All these books now only £10. Click on image to order.
