Overview
- Celtic confirmed Martin O'Neill as permanent manager on Thursday, signing him to a one-year contract with a one-year option.
- Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond said the club will back O'Neill across the close season to prepare for domestic duties and European qualifiers, while widely reported figures for a large transfer fund remain unverified.
- Contract negotiations for O'Neill’s preferred lieutenants, Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, are continuing and media reports say both were offered reduced wages to stay on the coaching staff.
- Robbie Keane had been considered for the job but the club stepped back after sections of the supporter base opposed his past role with an Israeli club.
- The one-year deal settles the managerial question but increases urgency for a quick squad rebuild and clearer recruitment planning ahead of Champions League play-offs and possible heavy player turnover.