Bringing Martin back was a masterstroke... but the next decision needs to be as good
Celtic legend JOHN HARTSON hails O’Neill’s impact on return to Bhoys but insists work is still to be done to ensure trophies
John Hartson reckons Dermot Desmond produced a masterstroke when he appointed Martin O’Neill as interim manager.
Hartson now hopes Celtic’s majority shareholder can produce another one when he appoints the permanent gaffer.
Several names have been mentioned in the past three weeks to replace Brendan Rodgers and it appears Wilfried Nancy is now the preferred candidate.
The Columbus Crew boss has edged ahead of other contenders such as Nicky Hayen, Kjetil Knutsen and Kieran McKenna.
Hartson will watch developments in the next day or two with interest.
The Parkhead legend told The Sunday Post: “It appears the club is set to announce a new manager in the coming week.
“Wilfried Nancy is the name most people expect to get the job, but I’ll wait until it is confirmed 100%.
“Whoever it’s going to be, the new manager has a good squad to work with and he will want to add quality to it in the January window.
“We won’t yet know who will be on his radar and the positions he will look to add to.
“Improvement is required but it’s also been good to see Martin O’Neill really lifting things and bringing a
Martin is a legend and brings gravitas, experience and wisdom to the club... you don’t let go of that
degree of confidence back into the building.
“Martin has given everyone a lift and long may it continue.
“I think he was as surprised as anyone to get the chance to come back but it was the perfect solution from Dermot Desmond. It was a masterstroke, in fact.
“Let’s hope the next manager is also of the highest calibre and able to bring the kind of success Martin brought to Celtic over the years.
“There is also no rush to bring in the new guy and no need to panic.
“Martin and his coaching staff have it all under control. I’d love to see them get the Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren and keep that trophy at Parkhead.
“That would be just incredible. “Martin has been brilliant, he really has.
“Imagine if he managed to do that – 20 years after his last trophy for the club. But we all need to wait and see what he wants to do.
“I think the club should keep him on in some capacity.
“Martin is a legend and brings gravitas, experience and wisdom to the football club. You do not let go of that.
“This is something for Celtic to think about and act upon.
“It’s clear that he enjoyed the experience of being back in the dugout and he calmed everyone down and got good results.
“The defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League tie didn’t come as a major surprise to me. I never expected the team to win.
“We’ve struggled in Europe this season and the focus has to be on winning the SPFL title. As Martin told the squad on his first day back, the guys are winners and they can add another title to their collection.
“A lot of hard work is ahead to achieve that but they will get their heads down and be focused.
“Callum McGregor will make sure the players are up for it and ready to go. The next six or seven weeks will really shape the season and the players want to win as many games as possible in that period.”
Hartson believes O’Neill – or the new manager – will need to get every last ounce out of the squad in the next few weeks.
The team has a hectic schedule and many vital matches as they try to claw back the lead Hearts have at the top of the table.
Earlier in the season, scoring goals was a concern, but the emergence of Johnny Kenny has given the team some extra energy and quality up top.
Hartson, who scored 110 goals for the Hoops during his five years at the club, said: “Johnny Kenny has really caught my eye.
“His goal against Rangers in the semi-final was brilliant. The way he got across his marker at the front post was very clever.
“He then showed aggression to get to the ball first and glance it home. I was on my feet for that goal.
“Johnny is still young with plenty to learn but it’s clear he is on the right track.
“He can be a real asset to Celtic and I expect him to keep kicking on.
“It was great for him to get into the Republic of Ireland full squad and he’ll be buzzing after that wonderful win against Portugal.
“Being a striker is about confidence and he’ll have plenty of that at the moment.
“Of course, he’ll face different challenges and he will not be able to score every week, but you need to keep your head up and battle through different things.
“Daizen Maeda will also want to keep pushing on and make his contribution.
“He was brilliant last season and had an impressive level of consistency.
“Celtic will need all of their players on it as they look to push on.
“They just need to keep it all together for this crucial period coming up and then look for reinforcements in January.
“The club will be in a position to bring new players in if they can identify the right ones.
“It will be interesting to see what they do as it will be a crucial few weeks in that window.”