When Celtic Football Club announced the sudden resignation of manager Brendan Rodgers on October 27, 2025, the ripple effects weren’t just felt in Glasgow—they shook the entire Scottish football landscape. The news dropped just before dawn, UTC, and within hours, Chris Sutton, the former Blackburn Rovers striker turned Sky Sports pundit, was already on air, calling it the most destabilizing managerial shake-up at Parkhead since the early 2000s. It wasn’t just the resignation that stunned fans—it was who might be next. And for Sutton, the answer wasn’t a flashy foreign name or a rising academy coach. It was Martin O'Neill.
The Bombshell That Shook Parkhead
Rodgers’ departure came without warning. No injury, no poor results—just a quiet resignation after two seasons that saw Celtic win two Scottish Premiership titles and reach the Europa League knockout stage. But behind the scenes, tensions had been mounting. Sources close to the club suggest disagreements over transfer strategy and long-term squad planning between Rodgers and Dermot Desmond, the Irish billionaire and major shareholder since 1994, had reached a breaking point. Desmond’s official statement, released within an hour of the news, praised Rodgers’ "professionalism and achievements" but hinted at "a need for fresh direction," a phrase that sent shockwaves through the boardroom.Sutton’s Bold Prediction: O’Neill Back in Charge
In a 6-minute 40-second segment on Sky Sports, Sutton didn’t mince words. "This isn’t about replacing Rodgers with another tactician," he said. "This is about stability. About someone who knows this club inside out. And the only man who can bring that right now is Martin O’Neill." Sutton pointed to O’Neill’s record: seven major trophies in five years between 1995 and 2000, including three straight league titles and a famous Champions League run that nearly toppled Manchester United. "He didn’t just win—he built a culture," Sutton added. "Rodgers brought structure. O’Neill brings soul. And right now, Celtic needs soul more than tactics." The pundit dismissed speculation around Shaun Maloney, who currently manages Chicago Fire FC, as premature. "He’s a brilliant coach, but he’s not ready for this pressure cooker," Sutton said. "This isn’t MLS. This is Celtic. The weight of expectation here would crush anyone who hasn’t worn the jersey in front of 60,000 fans on a European night."The Ange Question: A Ghost from the Past
Sutton did, however, acknowledge the elephant in the room: the potential return of Ange Postecoglou. The Australian had led Celtic to a domestic treble in 2022–23 before leaving for Tottenham Hotspur. His legacy at Parkhead remains revered—fans still chant his name in the stands. "Ange could walk back in tomorrow and the whole city would erupt," Sutton admitted. "But is he coming back? Probably not. Not while he’s got Tottenham in the Premier League. Unless something goes catastrophically wrong in London, he’s not leaving." Still, Sutton noted that Desmond’s statement didn’t rule out a return. "They’re keeping options open. And if Postecoglou’s at Tottenham and things unravel? Yeah. That’s the dream scenario for a lot of us."Clash of the Pundits: Sutton vs. Lennon and Boyd
The media storm didn’t stop there. On the same day, Sutton reportedly clashed with former Celtic captain and manager Neil Lennon during a live debate on a rival podcast. Lennon, who managed Celtic from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2019 to 2021, argued that the club needed "a long-term project," not a stopgap. "O’Neill is 73," Lennon said. "He’s not going to rebuild the squad. He’s going to keep the lights on." Sutton fired back: "And who’s better at keeping the lights on than the man who won three league titles in a row? We’re not talking about a rebuild—we’re talking about survival. We’re talking about not losing the plot before Christmas." Sutton also squared off with Kris Boyd, the former striker now managing Ayr United. Boyd suggested the club should promote from within, naming assistant manager John Kennedy as a candidate. Sutton called it "a cop-out." "Kennedy’s good. But he’s not a leader. Not yet. And Celtic can’t afford to wait."Why This Matters Beyond Glasgow
Celtic’s managerial instability isn’t just a local issue. It’s a bellwether for Scottish football. The club’s financial model, reliant on domestic dominance and European revenue, is under strain. A failed transition could mean missing out on Champions League qualification—a financial blow that could ripple through the entire Scottish Premiership. Meanwhile, rival clubs like Rangers are watching closely. A weak Celtic could mean more silverware for them. And with the January transfer window looming, the timing couldn’t be worse.What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking
The board has 14 days to appoint a permanent manager before the next league fixture. But for now, they’re leaning toward an interim solution. O’Neill, according to sources, is being approached. He’s reportedly open to a short-term role—if he can bring in his own assistant and have full control over transfers. Maloney’s name remains on the list, but only as a long-term option. Postecoglou? Still unlikely. But not impossible.Historical Echoes: The O’Neill Legacy
Martin O’Neill’s first spell at Celtic wasn’t just successful—it was transformative. He took over a team that had won just one trophy in six years and turned them into a European force. He signed players like Henrik Larsson and John Hartson not just for their skill, but for their character. He built a team that played with passion, not just precision. The 1997 UEFA Cup final against Inter Milan—where Celtic lost 2–1 in a match that still stings—was the pinnacle. But it was the culture he instilled that lasted.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Martin O’Neill being considered for an interim role?
O’Neill has deep ties to Celtic, having won seven trophies in five years during his first stint (1995–2000). At 73, he’s not expected to rebuild long-term, but his leadership, experience, and respect among fans make him the ideal stabilizer during a turbulent transition. His ability to manage big personalities and maintain discipline under pressure is exactly what the club needs right now.
Could Ange Postecoglou really return to Celtic?
It’s unlikely but not impossible. Postecoglou led Celtic to a domestic treble in 2022–23 and remains a fan favorite. But he’s now managing Tottenham in the Premier League, where his contract runs until 2026. Unless Tottenham faces a major collapse, he won’t leave. Celtic would need to offer him a role with more control than he currently has at Spurs—something the board may not be willing to do.
What impact will this have on Celtic’s transfer strategy?
A temporary manager like O’Neill would likely avoid major signings, focusing instead on loan deals and internal promotions. The club’s budget is already stretched after Rodgers’ spending spree last summer. A permanent appointment will determine whether Celtic leans toward experienced veterans or young talent. The January window is critical—any misstep could cost them a top-four finish.
How does this affect Scottish football as a whole?
Celtic’s instability gives Rangers a golden opportunity to close the gap in the league. If Celtic misses out on Champions League qualification, it could mean a £30–40 million revenue drop, forcing them to sell key players. That would weaken their squad and shift the balance of power in Scottish football for years. The entire league depends on Celtic remaining competitive.
Why did Brendan Rodgers resign?
While no official reason was given, reports suggest growing friction with owner Dermot Desmond over transfer policy and squad planning. Rodgers wanted to invest heavily in young talent and overseas signings, while Desmond favored a more conservative, financially sustainable approach. After two successful seasons, the disagreements became irreconcilable, leading to his quiet exit.
Who is Dermot Desmond, and why does he matter?
Dermot Desmond is an Irish billionaire and Celtic’s most influential shareholder since 1994. He’s funded major stadium upgrades and player acquisitions, but he’s also known for being deeply involved in football decisions. His statement after Rodgers’ resignation signaled a shift in power—suggesting the board now wants more control over the club’s direction than ever before.