NafisaOwen Coyle was close to taking charge of Celtic as manager a few years ago.
Now he has identified Martin O’Neill as the man he wants to remain in place for another season to continue the progress achieved in Glasgow this year.
O’Neill pulled off what many viewed as a remarkable turnaround at Parkhead as he guided the club to a historic league and cup Double despite Celtic appearing out of contention on more than one occasion while Hearts impressed throughout the campaign.
Wilfried Nancy suffered several damaging defeats that left the Hoops under pressure, but O’Neill steadied matters and defied expectations with a final-day victory over the Jambos before following it up with a 3-1 Scottish Cup Final triumph over Dunfermline at Hampden.
Coyle is convinced O’Neill has earned the opportunity to remain for another season if he decides he wants it. He told the Sunday Mail:
“I thought when O’Neill came in to Celtic last October to replace Brendan Rodgers on an interim basis the club would have left him in place until the summer.
“If they had done that it would have been a Treble – not just the Double – that Celtic would have won.
“They were dismissed as possible champions at one stage but Martin always finds a way to win.
“He is the original safe pair of hands and has provided a bridge between the fans and the boardroom at a time when the supporters have had their fair share of grievances.”
Should O’Neill be handed that opportunity by Dermot Desmond, Coyle believes recruitment will be crucial to maintaining success. And Shaun Maloney – O’Neill’s assistant this season – could potentially move into an executive role as head of operations.
A summer revamp is anticipated, but the 59-year-old is adamant the Northern Irishman and his backroom team are capable of handling it.
“That’s a subject Martin can address over the course of the next year and it won’t faze him in the slightest,” he added.
“Recruitment is the key element at any club and Martin has Shaun Maloney to assist him in that regard.
“I remember Sir Alex Ferguson once saying to me, ‘You’ll never get every signing right but if you get seven out of 10 to work then you’ll be doing well.’”
Nafisa
