Celtic fans are desperately searching for some good news in the transfer market.
You have to feel for someone like Martin O’Neill because, on both occasions, he has been thrown into troubled waters to try and sort out Celtic’s mess.
Right now, it’s not just winning games of football on the pitch, but also trying to sign players for the Hoops and secure the signature of that much-needed striker.
As the clock ticks down towards the transfer deadline, Michael Stewart isn’t so optimistic about what the champions of Scotland will be able to do during these final ten days or so.
Do you agree with Neil Lennon?
Michael Stewart on Martin O’Neill’s role as Celtic struggles in the transfer market
Speaking on Premier Sports, Stewart didn’t just talk about the now for Celtic, but also what is coming up in the summer and beyond.
Yes, there are now really strong suggestions that Celtic are about to sign Tomas Cvancara from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
But Stewart admitted that he wouldn’t bet in favour of those at Parkhead getting in the required players, as he thinks the current situation is ‘beyond boiling point.’
That’s why, looking towards the future, Stewart stated that it ‘wouldn’t be a surprise’ if O’Neill stays on at Celtic ‘in some capacity.’
Not as a manager on the touchline, but higher up, because there is also ‘a lot of healing’ to do on and off the pitch.
On something needs to happen ‘very soon’ with Celtic buying players: “But it has been like that for a year,” smiled Stewart.
“This is the concern. I think it is beyond boiling point. The managers have changed, but the situation remains. Their inability to recruit properly is glaring for all to see.
“Talk about Martin O’Neill, I wouldn’t be surprised if he does stay on in some capacity, and I don’t think that would be the worst thing, either.
“There is a lot of healing that needs to go on at Celtic, and he’s the type of figure that could do a lot of good there, and also, with identifying with players.
“The previous incumbents. Tisdale and Wilfried Nancy, who was in the manager’s role briefly. They have clearly said, ‘whatever they were looking at before. Forget about them. We need to start again.’
“And that’s not easy. They have got a short window here to try and recruit, and recruit quality.
“I would not be betting, and I am not a gambling man, that they will definitely get what they need in this window.”
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