Time catches up with us all, but in Martin O’Neill’s case, he seems to have turned back the clock in a way nobody imagined after the drama of Brendan Rodgers’ departure and the ongoing chaos between Celtic fans and the board.
The Northern Irishman’s return has restored belief in the players and stirred memories of those great European nights from just over twenty years ago — nights Celtic supporters still talk about with a glint in their eye. Back when the board had ambition. On Thursday in Rotterdam, a younger generation of Celtic fans finally got a taste of what their mums and dads had raved about all those years ago: a win away in Europe against Feyenoord and a journey home filled with dreams and songs to sing.
Make no mistake, if Martin O’Neill were five or ten years younger, nobody would be talking about Wilfried Nancy’s arrival. Every Celtic fan would be talking about the second coming — the return of the blessed one, taking his rightful place in the dugout on a permanent contract. Chris Sutton voiced concerns that his old gaffer might tarnish his legacy by helping the club out. Martin has swept those fears aside. Somehow, he’s coaxed a reaction from a squad that’s been asset-stripped and downgraded with one questionable signing after another.
But let’s look at the positives. Since stepping back in, Martin has won five matches and lost just once — to Midtjylland. He has worked wonders with experience, man-management and that unmistakable touch of magic, inspiring players to reach levels they never looked capable of under the previous manager, the man who infamously described his squad as a Honda Civic. Martin has lifted the bonnet on that supposed basic motor and got it roaring again.
In the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to get closer to a man I always believed still had something left to offer. The win over Rangers may have galvanised the players and supporters, but believe me — it energised Martin every bit as much. You could see that sparkle in his eye, that fire he once carried into every battle two decades ago. I’m convinced he’d have accepted one last dance if Dermot Desmond had pushed a little harder.
The reality? The legend remains intact. And the farewell on the dance floor comes on Sunday at Easter Road, where the lucky few in the away end will have one last chance to say they were there — watching a Celtic team led by Martin O’Neill for the very last time.
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