Peter Grant’s call on Martin O’Neill shows why Celtic must avoid sentimental decision

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There is no doubt that Martin O’Neill pushed his legendary status at Celtic even higher when he answered Dermot Desmond’s initial SOS call back in October when Brendan Rodgers departed on that dramatic Monday night.

Celtic’s Treble-winning coach is doing everything he can and has papered over as many cracks as he possibly can during this nightmare campaign.

However, the temptation to rely on pure sentimentality remains dangerously high for some, as Peter Grant is calling for O’Neill to be handed the manager’s gig for next season.

“Go and win us the league this season, if you possibly can, but then continue that into next season,” said Grant. “That’s what I would have done.”

• READ MORE: Martin O’Neill provides positive Julian Araujo injury update as Celtic return nears

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Peter Grant calls for Martin O’Neill to be Celtic manager next season

While it is completely understandable for Celtic fans and pundits to suggest O’Neill should get the gig for next season, deep-rooted issues require long-term plans to be put in place.

Regardless of what Celtic manage to win with O’Neill this season, with the champions of Scotland pushing for an unlikely double, a fresh face needs to come in.

Several names have been linked to the Celtic manager’s job, and one rumoured name that does stand out is current Portugal boss, Roberto Martinez.

The fact is that Desmond cannot get away with the institutional mess at this club by simply using a beloved icon as his puppet.

A proper clear-out from top to bottom is desperately needed.

Just like the vital reset under Rodgers a decade ago, which led to Trebles galore from the Hoops.

And the transformative appointment of Ange Postecoglou after Rangers stopped the ten-in-a-row, Celtic must bring in another forward-thinking leader to start moving forward again, even though Grant is thinking otherwise, as he stated on Go Radio.

“I would offer him (O’Neill) now (the Celtic manager’s job),” said Grant. “I would have offered it to him a few weeks ago.

“I would have just said to Martin, ‘When you come back, we want you to stay for a longer period. See what you do between now and the end of the season, brilliant. But that’s you for next season as well. Go and win us the league this season, if you possibly can, but then continue that into next season.’

“That’s what I would have done.”