There are sections of the Celtic support who want Martin O’Neill to stay on board.
One thing is for sure: O’Neill has steadied the ship at Celtic and has allowed the board to take their time in bringing in a new coach.
The champions of Scotland have won all of their domestic games under their legendary coach, and the sole defeat came in Europe against FC Midtjylland.
As of this moment, Celtic are seven points behind unbeaten leaders Hearts in the Premiership table, but the Hoops have a game in hand.
Can Martin O’Neill win the Premiership title with Celtic?
Hearts have dropped a few points in recent weeks, whilst Celtic are starting to pick up a bit of steam, including seeing off Kilmarnock in style before the November international break.
There are suggestions that Wilfried Nancy could become Celtic’s next coach, but James McFadden made it clear, if O’Neill were to stay on until the end of the season, he would win the Premiership title.
Speaking on Open Goal, Gordon Dalziel also agreed with his fellow pundit.
Si Ferry: ‘Would it surprise you if Martin O’Neill was still here at the end of the season?”
McFadden: “Aye. I think that Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney. If they stayed on until the end of the season, they would win the league. Aye, I think they would.”
Ferry: “Do you (Dalziel) think they would win the league with Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney?”
Dalziel: “Aye. I think Martin O’Neill has given them what they wanted. I thought it was a bit good of business bringing him in, because (John) Kennedy had left (alongside Brendan Rodgers).
“If you had promoted from within, you would have big Mick (Stephen McManus) and (Gavin) Strachan there, right? I’m not saying you would have been in bother. I think with the Celtic fans, but bringing Martin O’Neill in. Shaun Maloney. Knowing about their coaching credentials.
“I think when you get to January. I think Celtic will need to really act in January, because of the situation with the board and the supporters. That’s why I think the manager will be in before that situation. But I still think O’Neill will be in for St Mirren.”
McFadden states the ‘big issue’ at Celtic
Celtic have won 13 out of the last 14 titles, dominating Scottish football like no team has before, and winning more Trebles than titles won by other teams.
But in the bigger picture, Celtic have regressed in Europe, and McFadden thinks that’s where the ‘big issue’ lies between the fans and those running the club.
“But the big issue here is, the fans want more than that,” added McFadden.
“They want to be competitive in Europe, and that’s where the fallout came over the summer. There is perceived to be a lack of ambition to kick on in Europe.
“I know people will say, ‘What do you mean kick on?’ They ran Bayern Munich close. Could they get a stage further? Could they be competitive? They are in the Europa League and are struggling in it.
“So, that is the big issue. Could they win the league? Aye. They want more than just winning the league.”
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