Celtic back Martin O'Neill despite pressure after painful week

At Celtic Park on Sunday, 22 September, a 1‑0 loss to Rangers left the 74‑year‑old Martin O'Neill contemplating his future, while chief executive Michael Nicholson publicly reaffirmed the club’s full backing for the under‑pressure boss amid a painful week of defeats.

Financial backdrop and club statements

Chief executive Michael Nicholson released the latest annual accounts, showing a post‑tax loss of £4.8million and cash reserves of £66.4m. Revenue fell sharply, the drop was reported at between £33 million and £66400000.00000001, reflecting a near‑£33m decline in the latest figures. Despite the downturn, the Club remains committed to supporting the manager.

Celtic still sit top of the Scottish Premiership, two points clear of their nearest rivals. Nevertheless, a sizable section of the support base has been urging a change in recent days, and fans have taken to social media demanding a swift decision from the board.

The story was filed by CALUM CROWE, SCOTTISH DEPUTY CHIEF SPORTS WRITER. His report highlights the pressure surrounding the 74‑year‑old manager. The SCOTTISH sport media continues to track the saga closely.

Recent results and future focus

After the 1‑0 derby defeat to Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday, O'Neill said he would use the international break to consider his future and wondered whether it might be time to ‘wrap it up’. The veteran, who signed a one‑year contract in the summer, has overseen three consecutive losses, including two to Rangers and a Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros.

Chairman Brian Wilson reflected on the turbulent twelve months, noting that the mid‑season appointment of Wilfried Nancy lasted only a month and remains the shortest‑serving manager in the Club’s history. He added that the departure of Brendan Rodgers sparked a period of instability that the board has now worked to overcome.

Nicholson praised O'Neill’s record, recalling nine trophies won over two spells and thanking Callum McGregor and the squad for their determination. He said the summer transfer window saw investment in the squad, reinforcing the Club’s ambition to compete domestically.

Celtic’s disappointment in the Champions League play‑off, where a 4‑0 aggregate lead over LASK was squandered, leaves the Europa League as the immediate focus. Nicholson affirmed that the club will rally behind the manager and players to achieve success in the Europa League and retain the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup.