Martin O’Neill is back, and haven’t we missed him at Celtic.
Things went very quickly downhill after the appointment of Wilfried Nancy, eventually leading to his sacking on Monday.
O’Neill is now back in the building, alongside his ‘dream team’ coaching staff of Shaun Maloney, Mark Fotheringham and Stephen McManus.
But Nancy wasn’t the only departure this week – Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale was also relieved of his duties, leaving ambiguity over how transfer business will work.
O’Neill has been speaking to the media for the first time, clarifying how this will look over the course of the January window.
The first thing I would do if I was on the Celtic board is – – – –
Martin O’Neill on Celtic January transfers
Celtic and transfers are two things that haven’t gone well together this season.
The summer transfer window was one to forget – it eventually led to the departure of Brendan Rodgers, who didn’t fancy working with a Honda Civic for much longer.
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But O’Neill knows the players well, and certainly knows what positions are needed. After Tisdale’s departure, it will be up to him and his coaching staff.
He said: “We definitely need to supplement the squad, no questions about that.
“Shaun has been working in the background in certain things, getting to know some players. Eventually, I’d like to be sitting here saying ‘all these players are my choice’.
“I don’t have a great deal of time. Before, I’d be able to run the rule over players. Here, I will rely on Shaun, Mark and Stephen for the opinion on players, but eventually it will be down to me.
“If they don’t do well, I will blame Shaun!
“I didn’t know anything about the lad who joined from Bournemouth. That’s up to him to prove himself now.
“He hasn’t played much football. I’ll reiterate, we need the players in and as quickly as possible.”
O’Neill will take charge of the first game of his second interim spell against Dundee United at Celtic Park on Saturday; he’s bound to receive another hero’s welcome.
The battle for the title starts now.
Tell us your starting XI for Martin O’Neill’s first game back
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