Celtic Could Win Double – But Is Change Inevitable?

Celtic could win double – As the final whistle of the season approaches, Celtic fans are left with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The club’s players will once again step onto the pitch at Celtic Park this Sunday to face Rangers, a moment that typically ignites a collective roar from the supporters. This unity, however, may not last beyond the match if the outcome of the title race and Scottish Cup remains unresolved. While Martin O’Neill has managed to stabilize Celtic’s position in the league and Scottish Cup contention, the question of who will lead the team next season looms larger than ever. The boardroom is now a hotbed of speculation, with few certainties about the manager’s future, the composition of the football department, or whether the same familiar faces will remain in charge amid growing fan discontent.

O’Neill’s Steady Hand and the Unanswered Questions

For two spells this season, 74-year-old Martin O’Neill has demonstrated an ability to consistently deliver results, outperforming his contemporaries in terms of points per game. His tenure has been pivotal in keeping Celtic competitive in both the league and cup competitions, especially after the club’s abrupt dismissal of Brendan Rodgers and the brief, unsuccessful spell of Wilfried Nancy. Despite these challenges, O’Neill has managed to steer the team toward a strong position in the title race, raising questions about whether his efforts are sufficient to warrant a return for next season. Could his future be tied to the success of the Premiership campaign, or is the board prepared to consider a new direction?

Some argue that O’Neill’s track record speaks for itself. His management has not only kept Celtic in contention but has also provided a sense of reliability that the club has lacked in recent years. Yet, as the season nears its conclusion, the pressure is mounting. O’Neill’s own words hint at this tension: “I feel a sense of renaissance, coming back and working with young people, it’s really, really terrific,” he remarked on talkSPORT. “We’ll have to see how we stand at the end of the season, and that’s nearly upon us now.” This statement underscores his belief in the team’s potential, but it also leaves room for doubt about whether he will be rewarded for his efforts.

Fan Discontent and the Search for a New Identity

Despite O’Neill’s contributions, a faction of Celtic supporters remains vocal in its demand for change. Paul John Dykes, a prominent figure on the Celtic State of Mind podcast, has criticized the board for not supporting O’Neill adequately. “Martin O’Neill has been dreadfully let down by the Celtic board,” Dykes said in the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast. “There’s no way he came to Celtic in January, one week into a January transfer window, on the promise of four loanees and an out-of-contract player to win the double. No chance.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among fans, who feel the board has not provided the necessary resources or clarity to secure long-term stability.

While Dykes’ comments highlight the perceived shortcomings of the board, others believe the club’s direction is on the right track. The recent performances of Celtic’s squad have been a source of pride for many, with players like Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembélé showcasing their talent in high-stakes matches. However, the debate continues: should the club stick with O’Neill, or is it time to bring in a new manager to inject fresh energy into the team’s strategy? The decision hinges on whether the current season’s success is enough to justify continuity or if the board must act decisively to address the challenges ahead.

Potential Successors and Their Credentials

Among the names frequently mentioned as possible successors, Robbie Keane and Jens Berthel Askou stand out. Keane, 45, has been focused on finishing the season strong with Ferencvaros, aiming to secure a second Hungarian league title. His experience as a player, including success in Israel and Scotland, makes him an appealing candidate for a managerial role. Meanwhile, Askou, who has led Motherwell to remarkable heights in his first season, has turned around a team that had struggled in recent campaigns. His approach has not only elevated the club’s performance but has also sparked admiration for his tactical vision and player development.

Askou’s impact at Motherwell has been nothing short of transformative. “It’s a style of football in Scotland I’ve not seen, probably outside of Ange’s [Postecoglou] Celtic,” said Andy Halliday, a Motherwell midfielder, on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound. “When you take into account you’ve got Paul McGinn at 35, playing the best football of his career, and Stephen O’Donnell at 34 doing the same, it’s clear Askou has built a cohesive unit.” The coach’s ability to blend attacking flair with defensive discipline has resulted in a team that now looks poised for European qualification, a feat that could be attractive to Celtic’s management.

Other names in the mix include former players and coaches, but Keane and Askou remain the most discussed. Their contrasting styles—Keane’s international experience and Askou’s tactical innovation—offer Celtic different pathways to success. The board’s decision will likely depend on how the current season unfolds and whether the club can maintain its momentum in the final stretch. For now, the answer remains elusive, with fans and analysts alike speculating about the next chapter in Celtic’s history.

The Legacy of a Season and the Road Ahead

Celtic’s journey this season has been defined by both triumph and tension. The club’s unprecedented domestic success, which has seen them win multiple titles in recent years, is now under scrutiny. If O’Neill’s team secures the Premiership and Scottish Cup, it will be a testament to his resilience and the squad’s ability to perform under pressure. But should they fall short, the board may face calls to overhaul the entire structure of the club’s management.

Meanwhile, the fan unrest that has become a fixture of Celtic’s matches continues to fuel the debate. Banners, tennis-ball protests, and chants directed at the boardroom have become commonplace, reflecting the high expectations placed on the club. As the final fixtures approach, the outcome will not only determine the title but also shape the narrative around whether O’Neill deserves another chance or if a new face is needed to restore confidence. The board’s decision will be a defining moment for Celtic’s future, with the potential to either solidify their current trajectory or mark the beginning of a new era.

With the season entering its decisive phase, the spotlight is on Celtic to deliver a statement. The unity that has characterized their campaign so far may be tested in the coming weeks, but the club’s ability to adapt and respond to challenges will ultimately define its success. Whether it’s O’Neill’s return, Keane’s arrival, or Askou’s influence, the coming days will shape the story of Celtic’s season—and perhaps the direction of the club for years to come.

Icons of Football: Henrik Larsson

On May 7, 2026, the Icons of Football segment on BBC Radio Scotland will revisit the legacy of Henrik Larsson, a player who left an indelible mark on Celtic’s history. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring record and enduring presence in the team, Larsson’s contributions remain a benchmark for future stars. As the club looks to the future, his influence may still be felt, both in the dressing room and in the minds of fans who remember his defining role in Celtic’s golden era.