O’Neill’s Time Is Coming to an End – Celtic Have Three Weeks to Change Everything

Martin O’Neill’s future at Celtic has gone from being a question for next summer to something that now needs to be discussed right now.

After three consecutive defeats against Castle Greyskull in the League Cup, Ferencváros in the Europa League and Castle Greyskull again in the Premiership, O’Neill has admitted he is going to reflect on whether he can still turn things around. 

And perhaps that is the clearest indication yet that his time is coming towards an end.

The next block of fixtures gives Celtic a very obvious window in which to make a decision.

Motherwell away.
Benfica away.
Hearts at home.
Celta Vigo at home.
Hibs away.
Dundee United at home.

That is six games across a little over two weeks, beginning on October 11 and finishing on October 28. 

For me, this is season-defining.

Not because Celtic have to win every single one of those matches. Benfica away is an enormous challenge and Celta are a serious European opponent.

But Celtic need to start looking like Celtic again.

We need performances. We need organisation. We need a midfield that functions. We need players knowing their jobs. We need to see a system that actually gets the best out of the squad.

And that brings me to the biggest question.

Is it the players or is it the manager?

Because something isn’t working.

But I refuse to believe this is simply a squad full of rubbish players.

These are still the same players who, at their best, have shown they can compete at a much higher level. We have seen these players teams take Bayern Munich to the final stages of games and perform against some of the best sides in Europe.

The talent hasn’t simply disappeared overnight.

So what has changed?

If these players can perform when properly organised, coached and given a functioning system, then perhaps the problem isn’t purely the personnel.

Maybe it is the environment they’re being asked to operate in.

That’s why I don’t think Celtic should simply sit back and wait until November or December hoping something magically clicks.

If the board believes Martin O’Neill can turn it around, back him properly.

If they don’t believe he can, make the change now.

Three weeks gives Celtic a natural opportunity.

And there are managers available

This is where Celtic have to show some ambition.

There are names out there who would represent a completely different direction.

Eddie Howe is available after leaving Newcastle in July, having previously taken Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League and guided Newcastle back into the Champions League. 

Kieran McKenna is also available after stepping down at Ipswich in June following a hugely successful spell that included two promotions. He has said he wanted a break from management, so whether he would consider Celtic is another question. 

Thomas Frank is another experienced Premier League manager who is currently without a club. 

Then there are more adventurous possibilities.

Jindřich Trpišovský has built an impressive reputation at Slavia Prague, although he remains their manager, so Celtic would have to convince him to leave. 

Kjetil Knutsen who managed Bodø/Glimt has repeatedly been linked with Celtic, but again, he isn’t simply sitting waiting for the phone call. 

And then there are the bigger names: Roberto Martínez, Thiago Motta and Kasper Hjulmand, all of whom are currently without clubs according to recent manager records. 

Arne Slot, is available.

But that’s the point.

Celtic shouldn’t be thinking, “Who will take the job?”

We should be thinking:

“Who can take Celtic forward?”

Because if O’Neill himself is questioning whether he can still change this team, and Celtic have three weeks before a crucial run of fixtures, there is an opportunity to act rather than wait for another crisis.

Martin O’Neill deserves enormous respect for everything he has done for Celtic.

But respect for the past cannot determine the future.

Three weeks. Six games. A chance to change the direction of the season.

If Celtic genuinely believe a new manager can get more from these players, this is the moment to make the decision.