NafisaCeltic are facing growing questions about their managerial situation following another disappointing result, and attention has now turned towards who could take charge if Martin O’Neill decides his time at Parkhead has come to an end.
The veteran Irishman returned to the dugout amid expectations that he could steady the club after a difficult period. However, recent results have placed his position under renewed scrutiny, with the defeat against Falkirk adding to an increasingly uncomfortable run.
Celtic’s 2-0 loss at Falkirk on Sunday, November 1, was particularly damaging. It was their first defeat at the venue in almost 20 years and another setback in a season that has already delivered several disappointing moments.
The result has intensified discussions about O’Neill’s future, although there is currently no indication that he is preparing to resign or that the Celtic board has decided to remove him.
Nevertheless, bookmakers have already begun outlining potential candidates who could enter the conversation should a managerial change become necessary.
And one familiar name has emerged at the top of the list.
Neil Lennon leads the early betting market
According to Celtic Shorts, bookmakers BetVictor have listed former Celtic manager Neil Lennon as the early favourite to take charge again if O’Neill leaves.
It would be a remarkable development given Lennon’s previous spells at the club and the mixed reactions his name continues to generate among supporters.
The former Celtic midfielder knows the club intimately, having managed the Hoops across two separate spells. His first tenure ended in 2014, while his second spell began in 2019 before he departed in February 2021.
However, the suggestion of another return is already likely to divide the Celtic support.
Lennon has a strong connection with the club, but a section of supporters would question whether bringing back a former manager represents the fresh direction Celtic need after their recent struggles.
For now, his position at the top of the betting market should be viewed as an early indication of bookmaker speculation rather than evidence that discussions have taken place.
Shaun Maloney and Robbie Keane also feature
Lennon is not the only familiar name included in the early list.
Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney is priced at 4/1, according to the figures quoted by Celtic Shorts.
Maloney knows the club and its current squad, having worked alongside O’Neill, but the report also raises questions about whether he would be interested in stepping into the top job.
His inclusion is notable because a promotion from within would offer Celtic a potential route to continuity rather than another major change in the dugout.
Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy are also listed at 5/1.
Keane, who has managerial experience with Ferencvaros, would represent another appointment with strong Irish connections. However, his potential return to Scottish football would inevitably attract considerable attention given his previous association with Celtic and the wider footballing debate surrounding his appointment.
Bellamy, meanwhile, is currently Wales manager and has built a reputation for an attacking approach with the national team.
His name could appeal to supporters looking for a different direction, although moving from international management into the demands of Celtic would represent a significant decision.
Martin O’Neill still has matches to turn things around
Despite the growing speculation, O’Neill remains Celtic manager, and his immediate focus will be on the fixtures ahead.
The Hoops have two important home matches approaching, beginning with their Europa League meeting against Besiktas before facing Kilmarnock in their final match before the international break.
Those fixtures could prove important in determining the mood around the club and the pressure surrounding the manager.
Celtic have endured a difficult sequence of results, with their European campaign particularly disappointing. Their Champions League exit after surrendering a 4-0 aggregate advantage against LASK, followed by defeats against Ferencvaros, Benfica and Celta Vigo, has left supporters frustrated.
Domestic setbacks have added to the concerns, including defeats against Rangers and the recent loss at Falkirk.
However, there has been no official announcement that Celtic are preparing to part company with O’Neill.
The bookmakers’ list simply provides an early glimpse of the names being discussed should the situation change.
For now, Lennon, Maloney, Keane and Bellamy are among the potential candidates being mentioned, but Celtic’s immediate priority remains getting their season back on track.
Whether O’Neill can deliver the response required in the coming matches may determine how much longer the conversation about his successor continues.
Nafisa
