DONE DEAL — Boyd reacts as Celtic to make big transfer announcement tomorrow at Parkhead after agreement reached in what’s a big blow to Rangers

With Martin O’Neill now expected to be formally confirmed tomorrow after what has been described as a lengthy and “thorough” managerial search, focus naturally begins to shift towards what comes next — specifically the summer rebuild and the task of repairing a squad that only just stumbled over the line domestically, while European ambitions collapsed into nothing last season.

There is a growing feeling among supporters that the club must now finally step up and attempt to close the gap at the top level, with another opportunity on the horizon via the UEFA Champions League play-off route this August.

But that ambition comes with a condition attached — significant improvement, sharper planning, and a football operation that functions with clarity rather than chaos.

Frustration has also been building around the wider structure of the club, with questions repeatedly raised about leadership, direction, and decision-making at executive level.

The sense from many supporters is that too much has been reactive rather than proactive, leaving the football side constantly trying to catch up rather than dictate terms.

We all know the score…

Even so, whether or not a more streamlined football structure is properly implemented to support the incoming manager and his coaching team, one thing already appears certain — this summer is going to bring substantial change in personnel, with a significant squad reshaping firmly on the agenda.

Celtic icon Tom Boyd has already pointed towards a major reset in the playing group, particularly after O’Neill’s appointment on an initial short-term deal, which includes the option of an additional year depending on circumstances and longevity.

Speaking on the appointment of his former manager and “legendary” figure O’Neill, the Treble-winning captain said: “I’m absolutely delighted, it was the very sensible choice and Martin earned it. He deserved it, if he wanted it. It was Martin’s choice so that’s outstanding that there is that bit of continuation. But there is going to be a complete overhaul for players who will be leaving and players coming in.”

Boyd, who captained O’Neill during his early spell in Glasgow back in 2000/01, believes the experienced manager will already have a clear idea of the profiles he wants to bring into the squad now that his return has been confirmed for the upcoming campaign.

“They will know what they have wanted to identify and what players they want coming in,” Boyd said to Sky Sports.

“It’s just the process now of trying to get these players that the management will be looking at.”

What makes this upcoming transfer window even more significant is the scale of the rebuild required. This is not viewed as a routine adjustment — instead, many feel it represents one of the most important squad overhauls in recent years, potentially even surpassing the rebuild overseen under Ange Postecoglou in 2021, given how many current players still form part of the core while also holding resale value.

There is also a wider financial angle to consider, with potential outgoing transfers expected to fund reinvestment back into the squad, adding further importance to every decision made in the months ahead.

Ultimately, this now feels like a defining summer for Celtic — one where planning, recruitment, and leadership will all come under the microscope like never before.