O'Neill confirmed as Celtic's permanent manager

Martin O'Neill has been confirmed as Celtic's permanent manager following two interim spells in charge last season that resulted in a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

The 74-year-old has agreed to stay at Parkhead on a one-year contract with the option for a further year after talks with Celtic's major shareholder Dermot Desmond.

O'Neill returned to Celtic - 20 years after a successful five-year stint as manager - in late October on a temporary basis following Brendan Rodgers' departure.

He won all of the domestic games during eight matches in charge, with the only defeat to Midtjylland in the Europa League, but made way for Wilfried Nancy.

However the Frenchman left after six defeats in eight matches, leading to O'Neill's return in early January until the end of the season.

"It is a great privilege for me to continue as Celtic manager," O'Neill told the club's website.

"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.

"I would particularly like to thank the board for giving me this opportunity again.

"Celtic can never rest on past success so we are aiming to drive forward together as we aim to deliver again for the club and our fans.

"I thank our fans for their ongoing support, it means everything. I look forward to being back at Celtic Park, when we will come together and strive to bring our fans the success which that support deserves."

Interim chairman Brian Wilson said the appointment was "the start of a busy summer" where the club "will ensure we are in the best possible position to compete".

Principal shareholder Dermot Desmond echoed Wilson's sentiments by saying O'Neill will be "supported fully" during the close season.

"Time and time again Martin has shown his qualities," said Desmond.

"We know he is a winner, we know what the club means to him and he continues to be the outstanding candidate.

"He knows the demands at Celtic and I know how determined he is again to bring success to the club and 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."

There is no mention in Celtic's statement confirming O'Neill's appointment of who will form his support team for his second spell in permanent charge.

Former winger Shaun Maloney and ex-midfielder Mark Fotheringham were O'Neill lieutenants as Celtic reeled in Heart of Midlothian in a dramatic title race.

Gavin Strachan, Stephen McManus and goalkeeper coach Stevie Woods were also part of the backroom team that delivered Celtic's fifth consecutive league title.

It has been reported that Celtic failing to reach a deal, external with Maloney or Fotheringham was the reason for the delay in announcing O'Neill's appointment.

Ensuring he has the coaches he wants will be the first of numerous issues facing the former Northern Ireland midfielder as he begins his second spell in permanent charge in his mid 70s.

Celtic beat long-time leaders Hearts 3-1 on the final day of the season to retain the Premiership title and at Hampden Park seven days later O'Neill claimed his ninth trophy as Celtic manager by beating Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final.

Across his two spells last season, O'Neill guided the side to 27 wins and four draws from 35 games in all competitions.

Helped by winning the last seven league matches to claim the title, his average of 2.56 points per game in the league matched his corresponding figure from 2000-05.

Former Celtic player Robbie Keane had been linked with the job before and after his exit from Ferencvaros but several Celtic supporters' clubs stated their opposition to his appointment as a result of his time as Maccabi Tel Aviv head coach.

Jens Berthel Askou had also been linked with Celtic before leaving Motherwell for Toulouse but it is O'Neill who will lead Celtic into the 2026-27 season.