After the highs of the past few weeks, these last few days have really brought me back down to earth with a bang…
Whilst we all celebrated a league and Scottish Cup double, I hoped that things were happening in the background at Celtic that would see this feel good factor remaining high throughout the summer.
It hasn’t taken long for reality to hit home unfortunately. Although I knew it was highly unlikely, I did hold a hope that the powers-that-be at Celtic had been working hard behind the scenes ready to announce big changes once the season ended.
I should have known better. Not only have no big changes or new structures been introduced, but I appears that the annual downgrading of the club looks set to continue.
After six month the choice is keeping Martin or bringing in Robbie KeaneÂ
How depressing is it that six months after the departure of Wilfried Nancy that the new manager looks to be either Martin O’Neill or Robbie Keane?
Half a year after the departure of our last permanent manager and this is the best they can come up with? I have written previously about not wanting Robbie Keane to get the job for a multitude of reasons, but even if you remove questions surrounding his character, is this seriously the best we can do?
A straight shootout between a 74 year old who has already admitted he isn’t interested in a long term project and a relatively inexperienced coach whose highlights include stints in Israel and Hungary.
It didn’t take long for exciting names like Roberto Martinez and Kieran McKenna to quietly disappear. There was even rumours about the possibility of Oliver Glasner coming north. Why chase experienced, quality operators when we can just get cheaper alternatives with that all important Celtic/Irish connection eh?
It genuinely angers me.
This was due to be the summer of change. New board members offering a fresh perspective. A director of football capable of implementing new structures and overseeing a move towards a more modern way of working within the club.
A new manager with a multi-year plan that will see us not only continue to dominate Scotland, but to make inroads in Europe. None of that seems to be happening. Will it ever happen? Or are we destined to continue doing the same thing year after year until the inevitable happens and we lose our position as the best team in Scotland.
Look at last season. It was a disaster until Martin O’Neill somehow pulled off the unthinkable and won us a double. That was a warning. It could not be any clearer. An escape like what we witnessed will not happen a second time.
If we stand still we will get caught
Hearts will get stronger, so will the Rangers. If we stand still we will get caught. Nothing about rehiring Martin O’Neill or bringing in Robbie Keane makes me think that we will drastically improve.
When the season ended I was so happy for Martin O’Neill and what he managed to achieve. I was hoping he would sail off into the sunset with his already legendary status now at an all time high. It’s hard to see how he improves on it from here. It’s a risk I don’t think he needs to take.
The problem is when I look at the other options available, Keane or even Craig Bellamy who somehow still seems to be getting linked even though he has once again said he’s committed to Wales, and I think Martin is actually the best option.
The problem is if he takes the job he won’t be looking much further beyond next season. With so many changes due this summer regarding the squad, now would be the perfect time for someone fresh to come in and create a squad to their liking.
The problem with a short term dealÂ
If Martin is a short term stop gap, will the board give him the money needed to make this squad Champions League ready? I can’t see it. Even if they do let him bring some players in, how many of them will the next manager want to keep? Or will we once again be at the point where we need to get a load of players off the books to make room for new ones?
I feel like the next managerial appointment at Celtic is one of the most important this decade, on par with who we brought in after the dreaded ‘Covid Season’. In that instance we got lucky – very lucky – with Ange Postecoglou after we spent months chasing, and ultimately being rejected, by Eddie Howe.
This time around
This time around the fact that we are here debating whether we would rather Martin O’Neill or Robbie Keane worries me greatly.
Conall McGinty
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