Celtic legend Martin O’Neill is weighing up an offer to manage the Hoops at this summer’s Masters tournament at Braehead.
Celtic will be represented in a one-day event on July 8th as Masters football finally makes its long-awaited return to screens. Sport documentary streaming service 360 Sports Television are making moves to bring a full-scale competition back in 2023, with a taster event set for this summer involving Celtic, Rangers, Manchester United, and Liverpool respectively.
It comes after masters football had been in cold storage since 2011. Previously run by Sky Sports, it was a popular, family-friendly event that’s since been missed badly by supporters.
And whilst there remain question marks over who will be involved in Celtic’s masters team, O’Neill has stated he’s considering being their manager.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, O’Neill said: “I really enjoyed it back in the day. One, you wanted to see the old stars play. Two, I just wanted to see what they look like these days. The very fact these retired players got slower and fatter, but could still play the game, that their touch was still there, shows you never lose it.
“I’ve been asked to manage the Celtic team but I’m still not sure. However, it is brilliant that it’s coming back to our screens – and I also can’t wait to get back to Glasgow again.”
Martin O’Neill returning as Celtic manager is exactly what the masters is all about
Nothing would capture the spirit of masters football more than Martin returning to the dugout as Celtic boss for the senior tournament. It would be fantastic for the supporters to see him involved, even if it is only for one day.
O’Neill actually hasn’t managed anyone since 2019. He left Nottingham Forest after a 9th-placed finish in the Championship. Since then, that’s been it for him. Granted, he still maintains that he’s ready to return to the dugout once again [The Sun].
Of course, if Martin is indeed looking for a more serious return to football management, that could even put him off managing at the masters. Especially considering it’s a competition that only really contains retired ex-players and managers.
But it’s all just a bit of fun in truth. The Celtic supporters still have great affection for O’Neill, and no wonder. He revolutionised the club in the early 2000s and left with 7 winner’s medals and a UEFA Cup final run.
His days managing the first-team are over. But it would be a special moment for Celtic supporters to see him back involved at the masters. Especially if he managed to win the event at Braehead.
All eyes then on whether he decides to accept the offer. It’s difficult to see why he wouldn’t.
In other news, Celtic star Giorgos Giakouamkis has already rattled pro-rival pundits with what he said on Sunday
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