Martin O’Neill staying at Celtic as he signs new contract after league and cup double

Martin O’Neill has signed a new one-year contract as Celtic manager, with an option for a further season, the club announced. The 74-year-old returned to Celtic Park twice last season, leading the Hoops to a league and Scottish Cup double. O’Neill, who returned to Celtic Park twice last campaign, expressed his privilege. He told Celtic’s official website: "It is once again a great privilege for me to continue as Celtic manager. Last season will live long in all our memories and to be part of that success has in a big way whetted the appetite to work again for more days like those and bring our supporters those moments." His impact was immediate. He stabilised the team after Brendan Rodgers’ sudden departure, winning seven of eight games, before a third spell followed Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous reign (six losses in eight matches). O’Neill then led Celtic to nine consecutive victories, achieving 19 wins, two draws, and two losses in 23 William Hill Premiership games, alongside two cup triumphs over Rangers and Europa League knockout stage progress. Now with nine trophies as Celtic manager, O’Neill emphasised continuous pursuit of excellence. Martin O’Neill is staying at Celtic (PA Wire) He stated: "We know of course that Celtic can never rest on past success so we are now aiming to drive forward together in the coming season as we aim to deliver again for the club and our fans. “I thank our fans for their ongoing support, it means everything to us. I look forward to being back at Celtic Park next season when we will come together and we will strive again to bring our fans the success which that support deserves." Confirmation of O’Neill’s appointment came hours after reports suggested delays over his backroom staff. Assistants Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham were reportedly offered wage cuts, though the club’s announcement made no mention of other coaching personnel. O’Neill staying at Celtic came after some supporter protests opposing Robbie Keane’s potential appointment. Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond reportedly spoke with Keane, whose previous stint at Maccabi Tel Aviv during Israel’s bombing of Gaza had drawn criticism from a segment of the fanbase. O’Neill won two trophies with Celtic last season (PA Wire) Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond lauded O’Neill’s enduring qualities. He said: "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. “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." Interim chairman Brian Wilson echoed this, adding: "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." Chief executive Michael Nicholson concluded: "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."