Stiliyan Petrov has expressed his astonishment after Celtic moved to hand Martin O’Neill the managerial position on a full-time basis…
The Irishman, who had initially stepped in during interim spells earlier this season, ultimately guided the Hoops to both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup, securing a domestic double by May and restoring stability during a turbulent period at Parkhead.
O’Neill’s experience, authority and sheer presence in the dugout played a major role in steadying the ship after a chaotic managerial stretch that followed Brendan Rodgers’ exit, and the brief Wilfried Nancy experiment that came either side of his temporary spells. His return brought a sense of control back to a dressing room that had been lacking direction.
There had even been real concern at one stage that Celtic’s season could unravel completely, particularly with disruption behind the scenes and inconsistency on the pitch. However, O’Neill’s influence ensured the club remained competitive when it mattered most, ultimately delivering silverware when many had written them off.
Now, attention around Parkhead has shifted firmly towards what comes next, with O’Neill being entrusted with a longer-term role that few would have predicted earlier in the campaign. It is a decision that has sparked widespread reaction within Scottish football circles.
Petrov, a key figure in O’Neill’s first spell at Celtic as a player, admitted he did not expect the club to take this particular direction when Dermot Desmond made the final call.
Speaking to Sky Sports News on his former manager’s appointment at the Scottish Champions, he said: “I’m actually surprised – I thought they would offer Martin O’Neill a different role, a more relaxed one.
“But with his management skills and record for major honours, he has justified his appointment. I hope and wish him all the best for the next season. Martin O’Neill is Martin O’Neill. He’ll feel about 102 by the time that year flies past! But with a one-year deal, they just want to stabilise the club. The last couple of months, he has shown why he’s been such a great character. But here’s a question: if they win again next year, what’s going to happen?
“I’ve followed Robbie Keane’s managerial career and he’s done really well,” the Bulgarian continued. “But when you compare him with O’Neill, you have that maturity with O’Neill, who agreed to continue with this team. There was no doubt about it: he was always going to be the first choice if he agreed to it and showed the same energy and determination to work for this great club,” Petrov claimed.
The former midfielder, who flourished under O’Neill during his playing days, also highlighted the Irishman’s leadership qualities and ability to manage high expectations at a club like Celtic.
“Complicity, motivation, man management, this is everything that he’s done in his career. He’s a great motivator, he demands very high performances from every single player. He keeps everything simple. He trusts his staff. When you have that, you have a manager with a pedigree where only one thing can be achieved: the best.
“If O’Neill has agreed to become Celtic manager, he knows the challenges. He knows he needs to add quality, strong characters and big players who can win games. I hope Celtic have learned their lessons, because Rangers will be stronger next season, Hearts will try to push again. Celtic need to have a strong team in Europe and domestically. Last season, they got away with it. Next season will be a big challenge.”
With expectations rising once again at Parkhead, all eyes will now be on how O’Neill reshapes the squad and whether he can maintain momentum after a dramatic turnaround season.
