O’Neill adamant Celtic gig only temporary after Rodgers’ shock departure

Martin O’Neill has made it clear that his return to Celtic is strictly temporary, saying he is only “keeping the seat warm” for the club’s next permanent manager.

The 73-year-old, who managed Celtic between 2000 and 2005 in one of the club’s most successful periods, has stepped in as interim boss following Brendan Rodgers’ sudden resignation on Monday.

Rodgers’ departure was quickly followed by a strongly worded statement from major shareholder Dermot Desmond, who accused the former manager of being “divisive, misleading, and self-serving” during his time at the club.

Speaking to TalkSport, O’Neill admitted he was stunned when asked to return.

“I took a gasp of breath and asked if this was real,” he said. “It’s difficult to turn down someone who gave you the job in the first place when they had great options 25 years ago. By the time I pulled myself off the floor, I thought maybe I should do it.”

O’Neill’s first game back in charge will be against Falkirk at Celtic Park on Wednesday night. He will be joined by former player Shaun Maloney, who has come in as his assistant.

The veteran coach last worked in management in 2019 with Nottingham Forest, following his spell as Republic of Ireland boss, which ended the year before.

His previous tenure at Celtic remains legendary, having delivered three league titles, three Scottish Cups, one League Cup, and led the club to the UEFA Cup final in 2003.

“It’s short term. Celtic are probably stunned at the news Brendan left. They are obviously seeking a permanent manager, so it’s a short-term fit,” O’Neill explained. “Interim does mean interim. It’s as simple as that. Celtic are looking for, I assume, a young coach with proven ability. We want to pull the club forward now.

“Naturally, I had a super time at Celtic, it was a privilege. I can’t emphasise enough, it’s short term until a permanent manager is appointed. I’ll just keep the seat warm.”

O’Neill joked that he might reach out to one of his former players for support, adding: “I might call Henrik Larsson to ask him if he’s been staying in the gym.”

Celtic currently sit eight points behind leaders Heart of Midlothian after their 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday, and have also endured a disappointing run in Europe as well as a quiet transfer window.

In an extraordinary open letter to fans, Dermot Desmond publicly challenged Rodgers’ account of his exit, denying claims that he was denied control over transfers or offered an extension.

“In reality, he was given final say over all football matters and was consistently backed in the recruitment process, including record investment in players he personally identified and approved,” Desmond wrote.

“Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club and fuelled hostility towards members of the executive team and the board.

“What has failed recently was not due to our structure or model but to one individual’s desire for self-preservation at the expense of others.”