PLZ Soccer › Watch › The Football Show › Celtic News
The Football Show · 23 May 2026
Martin O'Neill on his future as the next Celtic manager — "Looking at somebody younger." O'Neill reveals talks with Celtic owner Dermot Desmond next week, and drops the biggest hint yet that he won't take the job long-term, hours after lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden.
Speaking after the Cup Final, O'Neill confirmed he'll meet Dermot Desmond next week to discuss his future — but the line that matters is what came after: "I would be thinking that the football club, to go forward properly, would probably be looking at somebody younger."
The full Martin O'Neill verdict:
"I'll have to have a think. I think in the next week I'll meet up with the owner, see what he's saying. He hasn't said anything to me, so I don't know whether that's good news or bad news. But I will genuinely have a wee look at it to see."
"But I would be thinking that the football club, to go forward properly, would probably be looking at somebody younger."
Reading between the lines: O'Neill knows the trophy he just lifted is his swan song. The interim becomes the legacy. And the search for the NEXT Celtic manager — Robbie Keane, Roberto Martinez, or somebody else entirely — accelerates from here.
What's your call? Should Celtic chase someone younger as O'Neill suggests, or convince him to stay one more year? Drop your verdict below.
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for every twist in the Next Celtic Manager search: https://www.youtube.com/@PLZSoccer?sub_confirmation=1
▶ NEXT FROM PLZ
Neil Lennon post-match — Celtic 3-1 Dunfermline Cup Final
https://youtu.be/7whBULzetI4
Martin O'Neill vs Robbie Keane — Next Celtic Manager Debate
https://youtu.be/Z6jQl6dWTyo
We asked Celtic fans: Keep Martin O'Neill in charge?
https://youtu.be/IIngc3YtDqE
"I'm up against a very, very ANGRY young man" — Martin O'Neill on Neil Lennon before Cup Final
https://youtu.be/1UK-sNG7fnk
The Football Show LIVE — Cup Final Preview Special
https://youtu.be/nka-l_0FR8c
🏆 SCOTTISH CUP FINAL 2026 — FULL TIME
Celtic 3-1 Dunfermline — Hampden Park
Martin O'Neill lifts the trophy
And immediately hints he won't be the manager next season
🎙 THE FOOTBALL SHOW
Weekday Scottish football debate from Glasgow.
Hosted by Peter Martin with Alan Rough (Roughie), Tam McManus, and rotating guests covering Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the Scottish Premiership.
#nextcelticmanager #martinoneill #celticfc #dermotdesmond #celticmanager #scottishcupfinal #celticvsdunfermline #celtic #hampden #scottishcup #thefootballshow #scottishfootball #spfl #plzsoccer
PLZ Predictor · Scottish league tables · Scottish football news