How Celtic board reacted to O'Neill appointment

Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond (right) worked with Martin O'Neill during his first spell at the club in the early 2000s [SNS] Celtic's hierarchy have shared their delight following the news that Martin O'Neill has been confirmed as first-team manager on a permanent basis . The 74-year-old guided the side to a Scottish Premiership title triumph and a Scottish Cup success in two interim spells last term. Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham assisted O'Neill last campaign, but there is no mention of either coach in the Parkhead club's statement amid reports agreements are yet to be reached. Celtic's principal shareholder Dermot Desmond: "Time and time again Martin has shown his qualities and what he can bring to Celtic. "We know he is a winner, we know what the club means to him and he continues to be the outstanding candidate to give us the best opportunity to realise our objectives. "He knows the demands at Celtic and I know how determined he is again to bring success to the club and to our supporters. "The club will support Martin fully again across the close season to make sure we are well prepared to achieve domestic success and compete on the European stage." Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson: "I warmly welcome Martin's re-appointment and look forward to more of the same leadership, inspiration and success he has delivered for the club. "The achievements which he and the team secured in the season just gone have created a great platform for the one that lies ahead. "This is the start of a busy summer and we will ensure that we are in the best possible position to compete, with Martin back at the helm." Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson: "We are really pleased to keep Martin as manager. His knowledge and experience proved vital to us last season and we know his leadership will be hugely important to us going forward. "He is someone who continues to deliver, who knows how to win and a manager we have absolute confidence in to once again drive the team through the next period. "We have important challenges ahead and the immediate priority of everyone at the club is to ensure we are ready to tackle these with confidence and deliver success again for our supporters."