This season will be remembered as one of the most chaotic in Celtic’s long history.
If Martin O’Neill manages to steer the Hoops to the Premiership title, it will feel even sweeter given everything that has gone on. Even so, success on the pitch cannot completely mask some of the questionable decisions taken behind the scenes at Parkhead over the course of the campaign.
Supporters inside Celtic Park have made their frustrations clear, and now voices from outside the club are also highlighting just how messy this season has been, even as results have improved under O’Neill.
Celtic criticised over Nancy and Tisdale decisions
With O’Neill steadying the ship, talkSPORT recently revisited Celtic’s earlier decision to appoint Wilfried Nancy. Despite O’Neill having already turned things around during his initial spell, the board opted to move in a different direction and brought Nancy over from Columbus Crew.
Alex Crook did not hold back, describing the appointment as one of the worst calls he has seen, while also questioning the decision to give Paul Tisdale significant influence behind the scenes.
Crook suggested Celtic would be in a far stronger position had O’Neill simply been left in charge, believing the club would be top of the table and already have a League Cup in the cabinet.
“I think a lot of younger managers feel asking experienced figures for help shows weakness,” Crook said. “In reality, mentors like Martin O’Neill or Steve Bruce can offer huge value.
“Bringing in the Columbus Crew manager could go down as one of the most baffling decisions in football. If Celtic had stuck with O’Neill, I think they would be leading the league and would have won the League Cup. I genuinely don’t know what the hierarchy were thinking.
“You also see too many owners listening to people who probably shouldn’t have that level of influence. Celtic appointed Paul Tisdale in a director role. He did well at Exeter, but elsewhere his managerial spells were short lived. Why would you entrust him with choosing the next Celtic manager?”
Agbonlahor praises O’Neill’s man management
Beyond tactics, O’Neill’s return has lifted the mood around Celtic Park, replacing uncertainty with calm authority. Gabby Agbonlahor knows that effect well, having worked under O’Neill during his time at Aston Villa.
“Martin could be tough on certain positions,” Agbonlahor said. “If you were a full back and didn’t stop the cross, he would let you know about it.
“I can imagine Celtic’s players being frustrated with constant change. Martin understands players. He knows their mentality and what they need. He keeps things simple and doesn’t overcomplicate tactics or set pieces.
“He’s a manager, not just a coach. At Villa, John Robertson and Steve Walford handled the coaching side. At Celtic now, someone like Shaun Maloney brings those fresh ideas. Martin O’Neill is the one who brings order and stability back to the club.”