Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has broken his silence on the drawn-out process of confirming his backroom staff ahead of the new campaign.
The 74-year-old took sole responsibility for the delay in securing contracts for coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham.
It took two weeks after O’Neill was confirmed as permanent manager for the full coaching setup to be finalised before pre-season preparations could begin.
Celtic supporters had been quick to direct their frustration toward CEO Michael Nicholson, who was widely blamed for stalling the process.
O’Neill, however, was unequivocal in setting the record straight, insisting the board bore no responsibility for the lengthy negotiations.
He said: “All this thing about the backroom staff, that is totally down to me delaying, seriously. That’s the point. So it was my fault as much as anything else because there were roles going elsewhere.”
O’Neill had taken time to consider whether he wanted to accept an initial one-year deal after Celtic’s remarkable league and Scottish Cup Double at the end of 2025/26.
He admitted the summer has offered little chance to reflect on what was one of the most unlikely title triumphs in recent memory.
O’Neill said: “There’s been no time whatsoever to even enjoy that, you know, absolutely none. It’s just been on top of us almost immediately.”
He also confirmed he had not been certain he would remain in the job, adding: “I didn’t honestly think I’d be here, it didn’t matter. Obviously the football club were looking at other alternatives.”
On the delay itself, O’Neill added: “If a new manager were to step into the football club, obviously he’d want his own staff and things like that. It was my delaying to see whether I wanted to do it or not, that was one of the reasons.”
Away from the backroom situation, O’Neill confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a contract extension to remain at Celtic Park.
The 32-year-old joined as a free agent in February and scored two crucial winners that proved vital during the club’s run to the league title.
O’Neill said: “Yes, I wanted Oxlade-Chamberlain to come back and he will join us in Portugal. In fact, I think he’ll be there before we get there, so that’ll be nice.”
The manager was enthusiastic about what the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder can still offer, saying: “Have fans still to see the best of him? I think so, yes. I think there’s more to come.”
Contrasting with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s renewed commitment, Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate appears increasingly likely to depart in search of a bigger stage.
The 28-year-old recently said on a podcast in Japan that he wants to test himself at a higher level, and Celtic are understood to be open to offers.
O’Neill gave a measured response when asked about Hatate, noting the player had been ill and missed several days of pre-season training before joining the squad in Portugal.
Defender Liam Scales was a welcome presence during the pre-season stalemate with Shelbourne at Tolka Park, having recently signed an extension keeping him at the club until 2030.
O’Neill was effusive in his praise for the former Shamrock Rovers man, saying: “Liam, just everything. I think he’s been fantastic for us, absolutely fantastic.”
However, O’Neill revealed Scales faces a two-game Premiership suspension after accumulating 12 yellow cards last season, adding with a laugh: “He’s got himself suspended of course for the first two games of the season I believe, which is not great news. So I think we’ll dismiss him now… I’m joking. But he’s been brilliant for us, really, really brilliant.”
The match against Shelbourne ended one-all, with the hosts scoring from the penalty spot in the 88th minute before Shin Yamada levelled from the spot shortly after.
O’Neill said he was pleased with the test Shelbourne provided, adding: “I thought that Shelbourne were very strong. I genuinely thought they were strong. And I knew it was going to be a tough test as well too because I’ve seen a lot of League of Ireland games.”
Celtic now travel to Portugal for the second leg of their pre-season schedule as they build toward the new domestic campaign.
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