Celtic Board Under Fire After O’Neill Issues Stark Warning

Martin O’Neill has delivered a clear warning to the Celtic hierarchy, insisting incoming manager Wilfried Nancy will need major backing to lift a squad that has fallen short this season.

Interim Boss Sounds Alarm On Squad Quality

O’Neill confirmed his European farewell will come on Thursday against Feyenoord, followed by a final domestic match against Hibs on Sunday. He has been open about the challenges facing the next manager, stressing the scale of the rebuild after a summer window heavily criticised by supporters.

Speaking to SunSport, O’Neill said player recruitment must be the immediate priority for Nancy once he arrives.

“If you have recruited a manager, that is fine. But player recruitment is essential, it is really important. Last year in terms of Europe it was like a nice, shining light, as if you could push on. Then you step back again and it’s not so strong.

“In the next couple of years, Celtic will come again in European football. They might just have to step back for a while at this minute, but recruitment is really important. I know people always say about January being a difficult window, and it may well be.

“But if you are talking about rebuilding the club to try to compete in Europe, and to be able to not have a big intake of breath when someone expects you to go to Feyenoord and win, then that is the point.

“Jock Stein said it, European football is where Celtic should be. But at this minute it is a struggle for us.”

Board Under Pressure To Deliver

Nancy is expected to arrive with a clear philosophy, but O’Neill stressed that ideas alone will not spark progress unless the board commits proper funds. Celtic’s summer recruitment was described by supporters as lacking quality and ambition, and performances in Scotland and Europe have reflected those concerns.

The board has already acknowledged mistakes in the last window. The challenge now is proving that lessons have been learned.

January Window Will Be Critical

Supporters will not accept excuses in January. Celtic need at least three or four significant additions to steady their European ambitions and strengthen their title defence.

The message from O’Neill was unmistakable. If Celtic want progress, they must invest.