Martin O’Neill will be inducted into the League Manager’s Association Hall of Fame after Celtic play VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League tomorrow night.
Celtic face Stuttgart in the play-off tie for the last 16 of the Europa League, but for O’Neill, the fixture holds extra significance.
This will be the Celtic manager’s 1000th game in charge and when the whistle blows for kick-off at Parkhead, O’Neill enters the LMA Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
The Association announced the move this morning as Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson breaks cover to make a rare press statement despite the ongoing troubles between the Parkhead board and fans under his tenure at Paradise.
Alex Ferguson’s high praise for Martin O’Neill ‘shines’ as Celtic manager
Alex Ferguson faced O’Neill many times in the Premier League when the Celtic boss managed Leicester City.
And paying tribute to O’Neill, the Man United legend heaped praise on the Celtic legend’s dedication to all levels in the game.
Committee member Sir Alex Ferguson told the LMA official website, “Many congratulations on joining the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 club, Martin, and on a career that combines hard work, success and longevity.
“I always enjoyed competing against you and your teams, who undoubtedly gave everything for you and embodied your personality and commitment.
“Your dedication, from beginning your career in non-league, climbing the ranks to win silverware in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, and manage regularly in European club football, as well as on the international stage, is a legacy to be very proud of.
“I am not surprised to see that your enthusiasm for leadership and management continues to shine through today as Celtic manager.”
Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson hails ‘phenomenal’ Martin O’Neill
The only time Celtic fans hear from Nicholson is when a press release needs to be issued and here, the under-pressure CEO hails O’Neill’s ‘remarkable milestone’.
Nicholson told Celtic’s official website, “Martin’s life in football has been characterised by some phenomenal achievements and by such longevity, as evidenced by reaching this remarkable milestone.
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“Almost one third of these matches have been achieved with Celtic and everyone at the club is so grateful for the wonderful contribution Martin has made and continues to make to Celtic.
“He has given us and the wider football world so much over so many years and we send Martin our sincere congratulations on reaching this real landmark achievement.”
Let’s hope Celtic can make O’Neill’s historic achievement a night to remember with a big win over Stuttgart and help progression into the last 16 of the Europa League.
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