Three Celtic manager targets emerge as Martin O’Neill resignation decision looms

Three Celtic manager targets emerge as Martin O’Neill future hangs in the balance

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson has publicly thrown his support behind Martin O’Neill, with the manager’s future ultimately resting on whether the Northern Irishman decides he wants to continue.

There is currently no indication from O’Neill that he intends to resign, and people close to the club have stressed that talk of potential successors is conditional on the 74-year-old choosing to step away.

Celtic have endured a difficult run of results recently, but they remain top of the Scottish Premiership by two points after six wins from their opening seven league matches.

The pressure has nevertheless increased following three disappointing results.

Celtic have suffered two defeats against Rangers in their last three matches, while Ferencvaros also recorded a 3-1 victory at Parkhead in the Europa League.

That sequence has inevitably led to questions over O’Neill’s position, although the club’s current stance remains supportive.

Neil Lennon among potential Celtic options

Should O’Neill decide to leave, Neil Lennon is one of the names understood to be under consideration.

The former Celtic midfielder and manager is reportedly keen on another opportunity at Parkhead if the club were to approach him.

Lennon has already managed Celtic on two occasions and enjoyed significant success during his previous spells in charge, making him a familiar figure should the board decide to look for an experienced replacement.

However, he is not the only candidate being discussed.

Kieran McKenna could prove expensive

Kieran McKenna is another coach highly regarded by Celtic and is understood to be someone the club would be interested in speaking to if the managerial position became available.

The major complication is financial.

McKenna left Ipswich Town in June 2026 after helping the club return to the Premier League. His decision came despite having time remaining on the contract he signed in 2024, with the manager citing a desire to take a break and spend more time with his family.

The terms surrounding his departure reportedly include a compensation clause that would apply if he takes another managerial position within a specified period.

That figure is believed to be around £8million if McKenna takes another job within roughly 12 months of leaving Ipswich.

Such a fee would represent a significant obstacle for Celtic.

There is reportedly scope for discussions with Ipswich over the compensation, although it is understood that any reduction would not be substantial.

Maloney provides an internal option

Shaun Maloney is another possibility should Celtic need to replace O’Neill.

The former Celtic player currently works as O’Neill’s assistant and would reportedly be open to stepping into the manager’s position.

However, the Celtic board are not believed to view promoting Maloney as their preferred solution at this stage.

For now, there is no managerial vacancy at Parkhead.

O’Neill was initially appointed on an interim basis last season before being handed a permanent contract after guiding Celtic to a domestic league and cup double.

His current deal runs until the end of the season.

That means the immediate focus remains on helping Celtic recover from their recent results rather than actively appointing a successor.

Unless O’Neill chooses to walk away, any discussion surrounding Lennon, McKenna, Maloney or other potential candidates remains hypothetical.

For the time being, Nicholson and the Celtic hierarchy are continuing to back their manager as he attempts to steer the champions through a difficult spell.