Andy Walker has admitted that the strain in relations between the Celtic fans and the board will continue under Martin O’Neill.
Though this is through no fault of O’Neill, who has been a “unifying figure” since his initial return last October.
The news of O’Neill’s permanent stay broke on Friday evening after Robbie Keane had reportedly emerged as Dermot Desmond’s favourite after talks in London.
Walker is glad that the club appointed a man who will be welcomed by fans.
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Walker said on the Go Radio Football Show: “That will be welcomed by everyone.
“He’s such a unifying figure, and I know in the background there’s always a real strain on the relationship between a lot of supporters and the current Celtic board…
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“I think that will continue. But if you’ve got Martin O’Neill at the helm, and the way that he spoke at the end of the season, he addressed the supporters,
“Just speaking about things. The unity of the club, and when there’s success there it’s the best place in the world to be… it’s exactly what everyone wants to hear.
“So I think it’s a good appointment. Someone like that, coming in, it seemed to be on an interim basis… but because of the wrong appointment of Wilfried Nancy, they turned to him again…
“And he’s actually delivered. I think a lot of people’s surprise, he’s delivered.
“Not just a league title, but a league and cup double. Quite astonishing.”
He continued, on the factor of Robbie Keane: “I don’t know what’s happened in the background.
“Obviously, with the amount of speculation, you would assume a lot of chat has been going on with Robbie Keane.
“I’ve never met Robbie Keane. I’m sure he’s a lovely guy, I’m sure he’s totally committed to his football. What an extraordinary career he’s had.
“I think he’s made a decent step into management… I think you could probably highlight his lack of experience for such a big job…
“But again, I’m really surprised. Because it seemed to me that the only two candidates from last October, when you knew you needed a new permanent manager… it’s just the two names: Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane.
“I’m surprised there wasn’t speculation about a good number of others.”
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Who were Robbie Keane’s competitors for the Celtic job?
In reality, it appears that Keane was the only other man spoken to about the job,
For much of the last few months, Jens Berthel Askou was the bookmakers’ favourite after earning serious plaudits at Motherwell. After no contact between the parties, he has now moved to Toulouse.
Craig Bellamy was another leading contender, with Stephen McGowan insisting that he had admirers at the club. The Wales boss gave no hints that he was open to leaving ahead of a home EUROs in two years.
Roberto Martinez was also rumoured, but this was always complicated by his involvement at the World Cup with Portugal.
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