Sutton calls on Celtic to appoint new manager asap after sobering night | OneFootball

Chris Sutton admitted he wouldn’t want Martin O’Neill’s return to Celtic to last so long that it risks tarnishing his legacy…

Martin O’Neill interim manager of Celtic reacts Midtjylland vs Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark – 06 November 2025. Photo Michael Zemanek Shutterstock/IMAGO

Celtic endured a tough evening in Denmark on Thursday, falling to a 3-1 defeat against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

Goals from Martin Erlic, Mikel Gogorza and Franculino sealed another impressive victory for the hosts, keeping their unbeaten run alive and maintaining their position at the top of the 36-team league phase.

Martin O’Neill’s men struggled to cope from the outset, with Midtjylland dominating the early stages and effectively wrapping up the game before the interval.

Reo Hatate of Celtic scores his sides first goal Midtjylland vs Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark – 06 Nov 2025. Photo Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock

Reo Hatate converted a late penalty won by substitute Callum Osmand with ten minutes to play, though the goal proved nothing more than a consolation for the Hoops.

The defeat has dampened the growing optimism around the club and is likely to reignite familiar doubts about Celtic’s direction in the aftermath of Brendan Rodgers’ departure last Monday.

Now, after the game, Chris Sutton gave his thoughts about Celtic’s defeat and his former gaffer’s current situation. “Sobering night for Celtic,” he wrote on X. “No great surprise.”

“Midtylland better in every department. Great to see MON [Martin O’Neill] return and the wins against Falkirk and (the)Rangers, but I’d hate to see MON stay on too long and damage his legacy. This isn’t on him at all. New manager needed in place asap.”

The past 10 days have been charged with emotion for everyone connected to the club, from the players and staff to the fans, with Dermot Desmond’s abomination of a statement reflecting that tension rather than any sort of comfort.

Admiration and love for O’Neill came naturally due to his legendary standing at the club, and was reinforced by crucial victories over Falkirk and theRangers.

Celtic stating xI – team photo Midtjylland vs Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Football, MCH Arena, Herning, Denmark – 06 Nov 2025Herning MCH Arena Denmark Photo Michael Zemanek Shutterstock/IMAGO

Yet, a sobering truth remains. This current Celtic squad still falls short on the European stage, and Celtic must focus on strategic, long-term planning, as a club aiming for consistent success and absolutely cannot rely solely on nostalgia and sentiment. Or on that ‘world class’ business model that Dermot Desmond was praising in his recent rant against Brendan Rodgers who had warned anyone who would listen that this was going to happen.

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 Dermot Desmond on the 18th tee during the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 on the Old Course at St. Andrews Golf CLub, Fife, . 06/10/2024. Picture Fran Caffrey / Golffile.ie

Desmond’s business model as far as European football is concerned has been a shambles from start to finish. Indeed when Martin left Celtic the first time he warned that Celtic were about to live life in the slow lane. Last night he found out first hand just how right he was back in 2005 as we lost to a team with a stadium holding just 12k supporters.

Kilmarnock on Sunday should be O’Neill’s final game as interim boss. The club should be ready to conclude their interviews and like Sutton emphasises, appoint a manager as soon as possible.

Check out the comment below Sutton’s assessment on X.

Conor Spence

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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 by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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