-
News
- 22 minutes ago
Celtic 'close' to appointing shock Brendan Rodgers replacement
Tom Weber
- Updated: 3 Nov 2025 19:00 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Celtic interim boss Martin O'Neill is 'closer' to staying in his role until the end of the season after Sunday's 3-1 victory over Rangers, according to a sensational report.
The 73-year-old returned to the Hoops following the unexpected but not entirely surprising resignation of Brendan Rodgers. The Northern Irishman departed Celtic after a 3-1 loss to table-topping Hearts left them eight points adrift of the summit.
Rodgers' exit was the culmination of months of turmoil, and majority shareholder Dermot Desmond pulled no punches when he slammed the coach for his hamfisted attempts at 'self-preservation.' He took exception to some of Rodgers' public statements.
O'Neill taking charge on a short-term basis has brought a sense of familiarity and stability back to Celtic Park. His results have so far been positive, while club chiefs have been scouring the managerial market for a new long-term head coach.
Last week, Celtic comfortably defeated relegation-battlers Falkirk before securing a dramatic 3-1 Old Firm victory over Rangers in the League Cup semi-final on Sunday.
O'Neill to keep Celtic job?
According to a surprising report from Football Insider, O'Neill is now one step 'closer' to staying in the job until the end of the season after the win over Rangers. Nothing is set in stone yet, but he could be kept on board until the spring.
It was initially expected that a new manager would be appointed in the upcoming international break. However, positive results against Midtjylland and Kilmarnock could see the veteran be appointed on a more permanent basis.
O'Neill is said to be open to keeping his role, and he is, in fact, growing 'increasingly attracted' to the assignment. The Rangers success has 'strengthened his position.'
While shocking, keeping him could make sense. It won't be lost on club chiefs that it is unlikely that they will be able to bring in their preferred options mid-season.
Ange Postecoglou has reportedly already turned down a return to his former club, while Kieran McKenna is unwilling to leave Ipswich during the campaign. The latter would also command a hefty compensation.
Former player Craig Bellamy is fully focused on his job in charge of the Welsh national team, given that he can still lead them to the 2026 World Cup.
Football transfer news headlines today
Enzo Maresca says YES to €120m Chelsea transfer as Arsenal left stunned
Wolves exploring Ten Hag deal as ‘advancing talks’ with new boss confirmed
'Such a good player' - Man Utd slammed for failed striker transfer
Chelsea star CONFIRMS 2026 transfer plan
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
