Martin O'Neill appointed Celtic manager
Last updated 15 hours ago
Martin O'Neill has been appointed the permanent manager of Celtic.
The 74-year old won the Premiership and Scottish Cup double while in interim charge last season.
O'Neill has now agreed to return on an initial one-year deal with the option of a further year after holding talks with principle shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Doubt remain over whether Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham will continue to assist the Northern Irishman due to a stand-off in their talks.
It is reported the pair have been offered a 'significant wage cut' to return to the club in a take-it-or-leave-it deal.
Speaking to the club's official website, O'Neill said: “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.
“Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the players and staff and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for bringing that level of focus, determination and talent to bear at the conclusion of the season to deliver the league and Cup double.
“I would particularly like to thank the Board for asking me back and giving me this opportunity again.
“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.”
Principle shareholder Dermot Desmond added: "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.
“He knows the demands at Celtic and I know how determined he is again to bring success to the club and to 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.”
It comes 26 years on from O'Neill's first appointment as Parkhead boss.
He took the reins in 2000 and won three top flight titles, three Scottish Cups and one League Cup across his five-year spell.
The club also reached the UEFA Cup final in 2003 under his stewardship.
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