Celtic Consider Move for ‘Experienced’ Scottish Manager as Martin O’Neill Replacement Speculation Grows

Celtic are continuing to be linked with potential successors to Martin O’Neill, with Everton manager David Moyes emerging as another possible candidate for the Parkhead job.

O’Neill’s future remains a talking point as Celtic approach the final stages of his current contract, with uncertainty surrounding whether he will remain in charge until the end of the season.

The veteran manager returned to Celtic for two interim spells last season, helping the club secure a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title before accepting the position permanently on a one-year deal.

However, his second spell in charge has been far from straightforward, with inconsistent results prompting questions about whether he is the right man to lead the club forward.

Celtic suffered consecutive defeats against Rangers and Ferencvaros before the international break, leading to speculation that O’Neill could consider his position. He ultimately remained in charge, guiding the Hoops to league victories over Motherwell and Hearts.

Those results offered some encouragement, but European defeats against Benfica and Celta Vigo have renewed scrutiny of the team’s progress and left the manager’s long-term future uncertain.

Several names have already been linked with the Celtic job, including former striker Robbie Keane and Kieran McKenna. Now, Moyes has reportedly entered the conversation as the club considers its options.

David Moyes emerges as potential Celtic managerial target

The Everton manager is approaching the final year of his contract at Goodison Park, with no agreement over an extension reported in the supplied article. Uncertainty has also surrounded the club’s ownership situation following reports that the Friedkin Group had put Everton up for sale.

Those circumstances have raised questions about Moyes’ long-term future on Merseyside and whether a return to Scottish football could become an option.

Speaking on the Football Insider podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke suggested that the speculation linking Moyes with Celtic was continuing to gather attention.

O’Rourke said: “There’s been talk of David Moyes as well if he becomes a free agent next summer, and those whispers aren’t dying down.

“Could he be somebody who could step in and replace Martin O’Neill when he leaves Celtic? He’s a very experienced manager and somebody who has got links with Celtic as well.

“He might be one that the club could look at to come in and be a steady pair of hands just to take over the club.”

Moyes’ extensive managerial experience could make him an appealing option if Celtic decide to appoint a more established figure to lead the team into the next phase of their development.

The Scottish coach has managed several prominent clubs during his career, including Everton, Manchester United and West Ham United. His experience in the Premier League could also be viewed as an advantage should Celtic look for a manager capable of handling the demands and expectations of the Parkhead role.

However, any potential move would depend heavily on his situation at Everton and whether the club can agree fresh terms with him.

O’Rourke added: “A lot will depend on what happens with his contract situation at Everton and whether they can reach an agreement with him there.

“We’ll wait and see if they do go down the route of looking for a long-term replacement for Martin O’Neill, and which other managers they could be targeting as well.”

For now, Moyes remains a name linked with the Celtic position rather than a confirmed appointment target. Much will depend on how the club’s managerial plans develop and whether O’Neill remains in charge beyond the current campaign.

With Keane and McKenna also previously mentioned as possible candidates, Celtic could have several options to consider if they decide to make a change in the dugout.

Why David Moyes Could Be the Right Choice for Celtic

David Moyes has built an extensive managerial career at the highest level, gaining valuable experience across English and European football. Although his spells at Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland proved challenging, he rebuilt his reputation at West Ham United, where he guided the club to its first major European trophy.

His success in east London demonstrated his ability to organise a team, develop a competitive squad and deliver silverware. Since returning to Everton, Moyes has also worked to establish greater stability, helping the club move away from the relegation struggles that had threatened to define their recent seasons.

With his 64th birthday approaching before the end of the campaign, another major challenge could appeal to the experienced Scottish manager.

A move to Celtic would offer Moyes the opportunity to compete for domestic honours while taking charge of one of Scotland’s biggest clubs. It could also provide an opportunity to improve the Hoops’ European performances, with his experience of approaching major continental fixtures as the underdog potentially proving valuable.

Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has described Moyes as ‘relentless’, a quality that could appeal to Celtic as they consider the characteristics required in their next permanent manager.

Celtic need someone capable of bringing consistency, improving the squad and maintaining the club’s expectations of competing for trophies. Moyes’ extensive experience in the Premier League and his previous success in European competition would give him a strong foundation from which to approach those demands.

His appointment would not guarantee an immediate transformation, but his track record suggests he could offer a combination of organisation, experience and ambition.

If Celtic decide to appoint a successor to Martin O’Neill, Moyes could represent an intriguing option. The opportunity to return to Scottish football and lead a club with regular ambitions of winning titles may appeal to a manager who still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

For Celtic, the attraction would be the prospect of appointing an experienced coach who understands the demands of elite football and has demonstrated an ability to build competitive teams. Whether the club pursues that option will depend on its long-term plans and Moyes’ situation at Everton, but the potential fit is certainly worth considering.