Martin O’Neill has directly addressed the state of Celtic’s managerial search while delivering a speech at a prestigious sporting ceremony in Belfast.
The 74-year-old joked that Dermot Desmond would be looking for a younger pensioner than himself as he spoke openly about the ongoing situation at Celtic.
O’Neill was receiving a special prize at the Belfast Telegraph’s 2026 Sport Awards when he made the candid remarks about his future in football management.
Talks between O’Neill and Desmond, along with discussions with other candidates, have been pushed back until next week, with no decision yet made.
Former Celtic strikers Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy are among the other names being considered as the club searches for a permanent appointment.
A real possibility remains that O’Neill will agree to another season in the dugout after rescuing the club following Brendan Rodgers’ stormy exit and Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated eight games in charge.
Speaking on the Celtic job, O’Neill mused: “I think he [Desmond] is looking for a younger man – a 71-year-old. I am getting awfully old, but I don’t know what’s in his mind, whether I would have the energy to do it again, I really don’t know. But it was nice to be asked the first time and because of it, I get your award so thank you very much.”
Former world boxing champion Carl Frampton, a vocal Rangers fan, then interjected during O’Neill’s speech, shouting that Celtic should have kept Nancy in charge.
Frampton had previously let rip over referees in Scottish football amid Celtic’s dramatic title win, making his allegiances well known ahead of the awards evening.
O’Neill was quick to fire back, stating: “What did you say Frampton? Funnily enough, I met him for the first time ever on the King’s Road, he was 12 at the time, fighting for the world championship.”
O’Neill continued his sharp response, saying: “Was that just a crass comment that you made? I am actually bigger than you. If you’re arguing with me then I will get Billy Hamilton to sort you out.”
The exchange drew widespread attention, with O’Neill’s composed and witty delivery earning him considerable praise from those present at the Belfast ceremony.
About the Author
