Watch: Martin O’Neill Left Stunned After Learning 14 Players Have Left Celtic
Martin O'Neill's surprise at learning 14 players have left Celtic highlights the remarkable scale of this summer's rebuild.
Phillip Cooney Watch: Martin O’Neill Left Stunned After Learning 14 Players Have Left Celtic
Martin O’Neill’s reaction to Squad overhaul was impossible to ignore.
In a recent Facebook video, O’Neill was told that 14 players have left Celtic this summer. His immediate response suggested he had no idea the number had reached that level.
That moment was genuinely astonishing.
If one of Celtic’s greatest managers is surprised by the scale of the departures, it underlines just how dramatic this summer has become.
Celtic squad overhaul has been bigger than many realised
Fourteen departures represent far more than routine squad changes.
Every exit affects the dressing room, the training ground and the depth available throughout a long campaign.
Supporters have naturally focused on the exciting arrivals. However, hearing the number spoken aloud puts the rebuild into a completely different perspective.
O’Neill’s reaction felt genuine.
He looked genuinely taken aback by the scale of the changes.
Many supporters probably had the same reaction once they heard the figure.
The Celtic squad overhaul has quietly become one of the biggest in recent years.
Martin O’Neill’s reaction shows the rebuild is far from over
Replacing players is never simply about matching numbers.
New signings need time to settle.
Young players need support.
The squad also needs balance and competition in every position.
That is why the remaining weeks of the transfer window are so important.
Celtic have already strengthened in key areas. Even so, further additions would complete the rebuild.
O’Neill’s stunned reaction served as a reminder that rebuilding a football club involves much more than signing players.
It also means replacing experience, leadership and squad depth.
Supporters will hope recruitment continues before the transfer window closes.
Only then will the Celtic squad overhaul truly feel complete.
Eric Knott 
Bhoycie 
Aodhán Ó Conchobhair 
How can he possibly be stunned, every man and their dog knew how many players would be leaving.
I must admit I’m a bit surprised, I thought it would have been more, but the transfer window is still a long way to go ,the Desmond and his offspring don’t change spots, once a parasite always a parasite, the Desmond and his malignant cabal of corporate greed and austerity fc will sell everything they can, including the kitchen sink , stop giving them your money or you are complicit in the destruction of our club
Until the board get their fingers oot, this situation gives the youngsters an open door, all they have to do is make sure they do enough to walk through.
I’d far rather have one or two youngsters than 3 or 4 loans