Tony Cascarino believes Celtic are already ‘the team to beat next season’ following Martin O’Neill’s permanent appointment, and it is hard to argue with that assessment.
After guiding Celtic to the Premiership title and a domestic double, O’Neill has earned the chance to lead the club into 2026/27 as permanent manager. The one-year deal includes the option of a further year.
However, Cascarino’s comments also highlight the next challenge facing Celtic. Stability has put the Hoops in a strong position, but the board must now make sure O’Neill has the tools to build on that success.
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Speaking on TalkSPORT, Cascarino pointed to continuity as the key reason Celtic should be viewed as title favourites heading into next season.
The former Celtic striker said, “I would think they’re going to be the team to beat. Absolutely. Because the stability there is now. It’s there again.
“Martin’s biggest achievement was to turn the football club around that started so badly. He’s turned it around. What a fantastic job he’s done.
“He’s done it twice. So, absolutely, they’re the team to beat next year without a doubt.”
That assessment carries weight because it comes from outside the Celtic support. Cascarino’s argument is not built on sentiment. It is based on what O’Neill has achieved since returning to the club.
The Irishman stepped into a difficult situation and ultimately delivered silverware. Celtic now move into the new campaign without the uncertainty that surrounded the managerial position only weeks ago.
The Celtic board now have one obvious responsibility
What makes Cascarino’s comments particularly interesting is that the discussion quickly turned towards recruitment.
There was a clear acknowledgement that Celtic still need a strong summer window. Stability is valuable, but it is only part of the equation. Successful teams keep improving, especially when they are defending titles.
O’Neill has already justified the club’s decision to hand him the job permanently. He restored belief, won trophies and re-established Celtic as champions.
Now the responsibility shifts to the Celtic boardroom.
If Celtic are the team to beat, as Cascarino insists, then backing O’Neill in the transfer market is the clearest way to keep them there.
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