Celtic FC made it official on June 5, 2026: Martin O’Neill is the permanent manager. The appointment caps a remarkable second act for the 74-year-old, who guided the club to a domestic league and cup double during two interim stints last season.
O’Neill’s return completes a full circle
O’Neill first managed Celtic from 1999 to 2005, a tenure that included multiple league titles and a memorable run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final. He returned to the dugout in late 2025 after Brendan Rodgers departed, initially in a caretaker capacity designed to steady the ship during a transitional period.
A league and cup double earned under interim conditions made the board’s decision straightforward. Celtic’s hierarchy converted the temporary arrangement into a permanent one, giving O’Neill the mandate to build something longer-term at Parkhead.
The club’s operating revenue sits at approximately £129 million in recent seasons, a figure that reflects strong commercial performance through traditional sponsorship deals with partners like Dafabet and XS2Event.
