NafisaAlan McInally is firmly of the belief that Martin O’Neill has already been assured he will be handed a substantial financial package to shape Celtic in his own image.
The Parkhead hierarchy are expected to officially confirm the Northern Irishman as permanent manager after striking a fresh one-year agreement, which also includes an option for a further 12 months.
Former Hoops forward McInally is delighted that O’Neill will continue in charge, but he has also called on club figurehead Dermot Desmond to open up the financial backing needed to give the 74-year-old the strongest possible platform for sustained success.
Rambo said: “I can only assume Martin will be given a decent bag of money to bring in some players.
“He should get it. I don’t think Dermot Desmond can give him 50 quid and then say, ‘go and win the league!’
“Speaking to Celtic fans, there was a frustration about, maybe not the lack of investment as such, but the lack of investment at the right times or the right kind of spending.
“I don’t know if there was an attitude, ‘we’ve got enough to win the league’.
“Okay, they did win it eventually. But we could see that is was by no means a certainty and it could have gone either way.
“I would have thought Martin will have asked for some guarantees because he’ll want to freshen up this squad.
“There will be players leaving and he’ll want to bring in others who are really competitive.
“He’ll want to make sure he’s not just challenging for the league – but also in Europe.
“It doesn’t look like Hearts will be going anywhere and we don’t know how deep the Rangers pockets are.
“You have to think those two will come strong again and Celtic will need to be ready.
“The Champions League was a massive disappointment last year and that’s something Martin will want to address, because that is the stage Celtic have to be on.
“It will be interesting to see where he wants to strengthen and what he’s able to bring in.”
Away from the financial expectations, attention around Celtic is already beginning to drift towards squad evolution, with several players attracting interest and contract situations adding another layer of uncertainty. The summer window is shaping up to be another pivotal period at Parkhead, where balance between experience and renewal will be crucial if they are to maintain dominance domestically while becoming more competitive in Europe.
There is also a growing sense that O’Neill’s return will come with immediate decisions on both incoming and outgoing business, particularly with squad harmony and long-term planning now under the spotlight.
O’Neill has already been working on a summer wish but he could also be set to use several key men, with midfielder Reo Hatate looking for an exit, along with fellow Japan star Daizen Maeda.
The Hoops boss also has decisions to make over several short term signings with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kelechi Iheanacho waiting for Celts to hit the button on extensions to their deals.
Former Hoops hitman McInally has backed Iheanacho to stay – as he’s convinced O’Neill can get the best out of the enigmatic frontman.
He said: “I would keep him. If he can perform the way he did in the last six games over the course of the season then he’s obviously worth keeping.
“That’s the big question though. It’s about keeping him fit.
“I don’t know if he’s enjoying Glasgow too much – maybe Martin should put a tag on him!
“Joking aside, it would be interesting to see how he responds to a full pre-season.
“He clearly enjoys playing for Celtic. You can see that. And why wouldn’t he, playing in from of 60,000 every other week and competing for trophies?
“It’s up to him to have the discipline and the attitude to play week in, week out.
“You could see how Martin managed to get the best out of Iheanacho in the last part of the season so he could do so again.
“The thing is, if he does go, he would need to be replaced. You look at his quality and his ability in front of goal, that doesn’t come easily.
“Some players need a kick and others need a hug – although most want a hug these days – but if Martin feels he can get him going again then he’s definitely worth keeping.”
Nafisa
