Ex-SPFL chief: Celtic to repair 'rift' with fans with O'Neill and 45y/o boss 'dream team'
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(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung, Breaking Media) Sat 30 May 2026 9:00, UK Celtic would be able to fix the growing “rift” between the board and the fans with a double act of Robbie Keane and Martin O’Neill in charge next term. The board are now facing a major decision as to who will be appointed as the club’s next permanent manager, with O’Neill’s latest interim tenure having now run its course.
VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Martin O’Neill to have huge say in choosing next Celtic managerAberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa, and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that O’Neill should have a significant say in who takes charge of Celtic.The 74-year-old is a hugely trusted and valued figure at Parkhead, and crucially, has become a point of contact between the fans and the club amid a period where tensions have been running high. CompetitionGamesWDLWin %Premiership (split included)23192282.6%Europa League631250%Scottish Cup55––100%Scottish League Cup11––100%Celtic’s record under O’Neill in 2025-26, as per Transfermarkt.Wyness feels that the veteran boss should be given the chance to weigh in with his verdict in a sporting director role, and added that a partnership between him and Keane could be a “dream team.”Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he said: “I’m a big believer in O’Neill having some say in selecting the manager and even staying on as sporting director, that would satisfy a lot of people.
If Keane were to be chosen with Martin’s involvement, that’s one thing. Celtic have got the budget to do it, and it would be a positive way to do things in terms of healing the rift with the fans that’s been so apparent this season.”Hoops’ favoured candidate clear as Robbie Keane added to shortlistFootball Insider revealed earlier this week that Celtic have added Keane to their shortlist of managerial targets, but he is not one of their leading candidates to take the reins at the moment.