Celtic announce Martin O’Neill appointment with key contract and backroom details explained

Celtic have officially confirmed Martin O’Neill will remain in charge for the 2026/27 season after agreeing a one-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year.

The experienced Northern Irishman earned the permanent role after leading Celtic to both the Premiership title and Scottish Cup last season. O’Neill answered the club’s call on two occasions following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation and the short-lived spell of Wilfried Nancy, helping steady the ship and guide the Hoops to silverware.

While O’Neill’s return has now been finalised, uncertainty remains over his coaching staff. Reports on Thursday suggested assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham have been offered revised terms in efforts to keep them at Celtic Park.

In a statement confirming the appointment, Celtic praised O’Neill’s remarkable contribution to the club, highlighting his nine major honours, including last season’s domestic double and his famous Treble-winning campaign in 2001. The club also reflected on his memorable run to the UEFA Cup final in Seville in 2003.

The statement added that O’Neill played a key role in delivering Celtic’s 56th Premiership title, overseeing a dramatic finish to the season by winning the final seven league games before securing another Scottish Cup triumph.

Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond welcomed the appointment, describing O’Neill as the ideal candidate to continue driving the club forward.

“Martin has repeatedly shown the qualities needed to succeed at Celtic,” Desmond said. “He understands what this club stands for, knows the expectations, and remains the best person to help us achieve our ambitions both domestically and in Europe.”

Chief executive Michael Nicholson also praised O’Neill’s impact, saying his leadership and experience were instrumental in Celtic’s success last season and would remain vital moving forward.

Interim chairman Brian Wilson echoed those sentiments, backing O’Neill to build on the momentum from last season as Celtic prepare for a crucial summer of rebuilding ahead of another campaign competing for trophies.