In what has largely been a deeply frustrating and underwhelming campaign for Celtic, the return of Martin O’Neill to the dugout has been one of the very few shining lights.
This has provided everyone with a chance to witness and listen to O’Neill’s signature, quick-witted, dry, and humorous charm in front of the media.
While the Irishman is revered by most for his legendary managerial spell at Celtic Park after the turn of the century, O’Neill also boasts an illustrious playing career, famously lifting the European Cup under the great Brian Clough.
The legendary Nottingham Forest boss was brought up during O’Neill’s press conference ahead of the Falkirk match on Saturday, sparked by Callum McGregor’s public rallying cry for the Celtic board to show more ambition.
Following James Forrest extending his stay in Glasgow, McGregor was asked if he would be the next to commit his future. The captain made his stance clear, stating, “I want to be here. I just want to make sure that the club continue to push, wants to be successful.”
When those comments were put to O’Neill, he delivered a brilliant, trademark response to remind everyone why he is loved so much.
“A very important player,” O’Neill noted of his captain. “But a player, nonetheless. I don’t remember telling Brian Clough that we show ambition. He said, ‘I wouldn’t do, son. I would just leave you out,’ which he did do, occasionally.”
- READ MORE: Callum McGregor highlights James Forrest value after new contract as Celtic starting debate builds
What are your thoughts on Callum McGregor’s strong comments on his Celtic future?
Martin O’Neill responds to Callum McGregor calling for the Celtic board to show more ambition
Celtic fans have protested all season long; they want change. McGregor is echoing their feelings of frustration from this season.
Added to that, while it’s brilliant listening to O’Neill, he is very clever and understands how to deal with the media, and he proved that here perfectly.
Yes, an old-school individual like O’Neill would prefer the players to get on with their jobs, which is winning the game on the pitch, hence why he mentioned that McGregor ‘he’s a player.’
But what also needs to be added is that Celtic’s Treble-winning coach stated that if McGregor’s comments are a ‘clarion call’, then so be it.
Reporter: “Callum McGregor was speaking yesterday about his own future. Urging the club.”
O’Neill: “Has he signed a new deal? Has that pinged up as well?
Press room laughs, and the reporter adds: “He was talking about pushing on. I know you mentioned, previously, about this period maybe being a wake-up call, needing ambition in the summer. Do you echo Callum’s comments? Because you would want to keep him there as long as possible?”
O’Neill: “Tell me what he said? I don’t know.”
Reporter: “As long as the club are ambitious and push on, he will be there with them.”
O’Neill: “Right, by that you mean. I am going to test you now.”
Reporter: “Go for it.”
O’Neill: “So, are you saying that if the club don’t show their ambition, he would want to leave? Is that what you said?”
Reporter: “Potentially.”
O’Neill: “Did he? Did he say that? (O’Neill looks across to the Celtic press officer).”
Reporter: “You get the point. He wants the club to show ambition.”
O’Neill: “Does he? He’s a player.”
Reporter: “The captain.”
O’Neill: “A very important player. But a player, nonetheless. I don’t remember telling Brian Clough that we show ambition. He said, ‘I wouldn’t do, son. I would just leave you out,’ which he did do, occasionally.
“Do you know who Brian Clough is? You are too young. He was a very good manager, way back some years ago.
“I don’t know if it’s a twisting of words. I have said this umpteen times: Callum has been fantastic here. Fantastic as a captain for the side. Great in the dressing room. More importantly, on the pitch, he has done really well.
“I don’t know whether it was a tanglement of words. I genuinely don’t know this here. I mentioned this before, we want to try and be pro-active – Celtic need to be ready for those challenges, if that’s the clarion call, then so be it.”
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