Chris Sutton hopes Martin O’Neill finishes up at Celtic tomorrow

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·8 de noviembre de 2025

Chris Sutton hopes Martin O’Neill finishes up at Celtic tomorrow

Chris Sutton would prefer Martin O’Neill’s time as interim Celtic manager to come to an end after tomorrow’s Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park and in his newspaper column today he explains why…

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

Sutton, writing in his weekly Daily Record column, is clearly concerned about Martin O’Neill legacy at the club, something that Martin O’Neill actually dismissed yesterday afternoon in his media conference ahead of this match.

OneFootball Videos

Martin O’Neill was asked the following question: I don’t know if you’re aware Martin, of Chris Sutton’s comments last night? He was warning you almost to not stick around too much in case your legacy at the club is tarnished in any way by the results and whatnot. I just wonder your thoughts on that?’

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

Martin replied: “I’ve honestly no concern about a legacy, never have had. If you’re talking about a legacy then you can talk about Jock Stein, but that’s fine and that great 1967 side. So I’m not worried about a legacy losing some games.

“We had a great victory over (the)Rangers and that’s fine. But really I’m very, very aware that it is one game at a time. You win a game then you maybe win another. I’m not saying that we’re back to basics again, you lose the game disappointingly and I think it was the manner in which we conceded the goals.

“But getting back to your point about the legacy, it genuinely doesn’t worry me one jot, never has done. When you’re dead, you’re dead. I know you two are not thinking about it at your age, but it is something that is a consideration for people over 52.”

Sutton continued with making his point: “Martin O’Neill is a legend at Celtic for what he did during my time there as a player. I owe him plenty myself for signing me as I wouldn’t have experienced the whole thing or enjoyed such a wonderful time in my career if he hadn’t done that.

“He walked back into the club in the wake of the Brendan Rodgers departure and he answered the call with Maloney placed at his side. Now that’s great. It was important to have someone who could unite the club, the fans and bring a bounce into the players.

Martin O’Neill, Interim Manager of Celtic, reacts during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“That was achieved. The wins over Falkirk and against (the)Rangers in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup ensured no damage done domestically in the very short term.

“But let’s be frank. This isn’t a short-term situation. This is a big job to get things back on track and the Europa League defeat in Midtjylland just summed that up. Actually, it wasn’t just the defeat. The Danes were top of the table going into the game and losing the game wasn’t the biggest thing, it was the manner of the loss. Celtic were absolutely miles off it. That was as much of a 3-1 hammering as you could get. That scoreline flattered Celtic.

Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill during the Premier League match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on October 29, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Basically, Martin has such a great legacy at Celtic and I wouldn’t want it to be damaged by any more nights like that. It’s hard to think more are not going to follow before this league phase is over because, watching that game in Denmark, it just brought home to me how much needs to be done with the squad.”

Celtic in the Thirties, Vol 1 & 2 by Matt Corr. Published by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

Majic, Stan and the King of Japan by Matt Corr.. Click in image to order.

Order Celtic in the Eighties and get Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style FREE. And your Celtic in the Eighties book will be signed by Danny McGrain! Click on image to order!