Should Celtic appoint Martin O'Neill after becoming the favourite?

November 3, 2025

Martin O’Neill has emerged as the narrow favourite to take the Celtic job permanently after his winning start on his return to the dugout.

The Hoops booked their place in the cup final on Sunday with an extra-time victory over their Old Firm rivals, just days after thrashing Falkirk in their first game in charge.

O’Neill, 20 years after leaving Celtic, has seemingly steadied the ship that was left stranded in deep waters following the departure of Brendan Rodgers.

The noise has died down, and it allows Dermot Desmond to bide his time before making his next managerial appointment.

Next Celtic manager odds

O’Neill has emerged as the frontrunner and can be backed at 3/1 to take the job on a full-time basis. That is despite reiterating the message that he is only there on an interim basis.

Ipswich boss and Northern Irishman Kieran McKenna was the big favourite last week, but he has drifted to 4/1 in the betting.

McKenna was quizzed about the speculation last week and while he didn’t rule out the possibility, he said his focus remains solely on the Championship club. Ipswich are slowly climbing the table after a disappointing start and thrashed QPR 4-1 at the weekend.

Ange Postecoglou remains at 5/1 to make a return to Celtic, while Robbie Keane is 15/2. Reports claim the Irishman has applied for the vacant position at Wolves.

Lee Carsley is 6/1 while Bodo Glimt’s highly-rated boss Kjetil Knutsen is 9/1.

With no clear favourite, the odds suggest that Celtic are ready to cast the net wide to secure their next man.

Get the ball back he is shouting!

In a thrilling display of passion and desire, Celtic has reached the final! Under the guidance of Martin O’Neill and his young coaching staff , Celtic has shown what it truly means to play with heart and soul. Well done boys! pic.twitter.com/4a6lqc1AMg

— Stiliyan Petrov (@StanPetrov19) November 2, 2025

Should Martin O’Neill take the Celtic job?

O’Neill’s two wins from two games have sparked debate among the Celtic supporters as to whether he should be appointed at least until the end of the season.

At the age of 73 and without a managerial job in six years, it’s clear O’Neill is enjoying his renaissance on the touchline alongside the youth of Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham.

O’Neill’s arrival has obviously helped inspire a Celtic side that had lost belief and run out of ideas under Rodgers. Against Rangers, they looked free from the shackles that have continued to hold them back this season.

Barring 20 minutes after half-time, Celtic were organised and looked as if they had a game plan.

What was a damning indictment on Rodgers were the quotes from youngster and goalscorer Callum Osmond after the game, who said it’s a relief that the club now have a manager who believes in him.

As it stands, there are not many names that are enticing enough for Celtic to go all guns blazing.

McKenna’s record at Ipswich can’t be overlooked and ticks all the boxes in terms of appointing a young manager who has success on their CV.

Bodo Glimt’s Knutsen could be another who is appealing, particularly after his success in guiding his side to the Europa League semi-finals last season.

Despite his success at Celtic, Postecoglou would feel like a regressive appointment and may need a mental break after failing at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.

There is a growing case for O’Neill to be handed the reins, where Celtic can then reassess and have the option of more names to choose from at the end of the season.

On the other hand, a longer stay may tarnish the legendary reputation he has at the club. A victory against Rangers would feel like a fitting way to bow out and a platform for a new manager to take the club forward.

Celtic needs a progressive coach, a fresh injection into the club. O’Neill has papered over the cracks, but a new manager should be appointed sooner rather than later.