Is Keane edging closer to the Celtic Job ahead of Martin O’Neill?

Will it be Robbie Keane or Martin O’Neill as Celtic’s next permanent boss?

Reports suggest Keane’s got himself narrowly ahead now of Martin O’Neill in the race to become the next manager of Celtic.

I’d love to know what the reasons for that are, both good and bad.

My article yesterday caused quite a stir.

The number of engagements across the socials was frightening.

The differing views exactly as I predicted and expected.

Let’s have it right, I never at any point gave any of my personal political views.

I am able to observe how it looks like many fans feel though and pass comment on it.

This doesn’t make me bigoted.

I can see there is a divide in the fan base.

Many have politics at the fore front of their thinking when it comes to Keane.

Many have sporting merit at the fore front of their thinking when it comes to Keane too.

Just because you may disagree with one or the other doesn’t mean the differing views don’t exist.

I have huge reservations over the Keane appointment as I can see what would come down the road.

From a glass half empty perspective, granted.

Celtic’s Champions League Qualifying record is AWFUL under many managers.

Let’s say that continues and Keane gets knocked out by an Almaty-esque side.

It’ll turn on him too quickly and too loudly for him to manage to make a decent fist of the job in the long term.

I don’t care whether you think it is right or wrong, as that misses the point.

The fact is that if he gets off to such a start, he won’t get the latitude other managers do from many fans.

Keane could be ideal for the Board though – with eyes being distracted from them.

If the ire is turned on a Manager if we were, for example, to fail to make the CL Groups then the Board get away with one.

That would be just peachy for them.

Of course there is the possibility they go with the man who just won the Double.

There are rumours if Martin gets the gig it would be a 2 year deal.

Martin O’Neill could remain in the Celtic dugout longer than first anticipated.

While the expectation had been for a one-year deal, @mcgowan_stephen reports discussions are now taking place over a two-year contract after O’Neill guided the Hoops to a League & Cup double.

Fresh… pic.twitter.com/jyaYFQDAYY— Michael Shearer (@MichaelcShearer) June 2, 2026

This story is pleasantly surprising.

A 2 year deal would give clarity and some settlement amongst fans as to where we are headed.

One of my worries with O’Neill being given the job was the fact we would be facing same questions about next manager within a year.

This would be better for all parties if 2 years was put on the table.

Of course, if you don’t win football matches, then it’s irrelevant how long the term is, you’ll be gone anyway.

I am huge believer in Celtic being measured as to where they are at as a club by their European endeavours.

Not Domestic Bliss.

The Champions League Qualifiers will undoubtedly be here before we know it.

Who would you rather in the dug out from the 2 names?

Incredibly even at 74, I still think the answer to that is Martin O’Neill.

It’s going to be interesting to see which direction Celtic take.

One thing is clear – we won’t all agree on whatever decision it is that’s taken.

Keep Your Eyes on The Board.