adminCeltic chief executive Michael Nicholson has publicly supported manager Martin O’Neill despite the club’s challenging start to the season, leaving the decision over his future firmly in the Northern Irishman’s hands.
O’Neill has yet to show any indication that he intends to step down, and sources close to the club stress that all discussions over potential successors remain entirely dependent on him deciding to walk away.
Should that happen, several names are already being considered. Neil Lennon, a former Celtic player and manager, is understood to be very keen on returning to the role if approached and is among those being considered.
Another coach generating considerable interest is Kieran McKenna. The highly rated manager is admired at Celtic Park, and the club would be interested in speaking to him. However, a substantial financial obstacle stands in the way.
Although McKenna left his position as Ipswich Town manager in June 2026 after guiding the Suffolk club back to the Premier League, a contractual clause remains active.
He departed with time still remaining on the contract he signed in 2024, citing a desire to take a break and spend more time with his family. As part of the departure agreement, Ipswich secured protection entitling them to compensation should he take up another managerial position.
That amount is believed to be around £8 million if an appointment is made within approximately 12 months of his departure. Such a fee is viewed as a major stumbling block and is currently discouraging Celtic.
However, sources have indicated that there is scope to negotiate the amount with Ipswich, although it won’t decrease significantly should they decide to do so.
Celtic could consider internal solution to replacing O’Neill
Shaun Maloney, O’Neill’s current assistant, is another potential internal option.
However, sources suggest that promoting the former player is not the preferred course of action for the Celtic board, despite the fact that he would be very willing to take the opportunity.
Celtic currently sit at the top of the Scottish Premiership table by two points after winning six and losing one of their seven league matches so far.
Despite this, recent performances have raised questions over O’Neill’s future at the club.
In their last three matches, Celtic have suffered two defeats to bitter rivals Rangers – which would be enough to place pressure on any Celtic manager – and were also beaten 3-1 by Ferencvaros at Parkhead in the Europa League.
It’s worth noting that O’Neill was initially appointed only as an interim manager last season before being handed a permanent contract after guiding the club to a league and cup double. His contract expires at the end of this season, though.
For now, the emphasis remains on backing the 74-year-old as he looks to improve results.
Any change in the dugout would require his voluntary departure, a step he has not yet indicated he is prepared to take. Until then, speculation over potential successors remains just that – speculation.
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