Former Celt makes major Celtic and Martin O’Neill ‘standoff’ claim

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has described what he believes to be a 'standoff' between Martin O'Neill and the Celtic board…

Martin O'Neill, Manager of Celtic, arrives at the stadium before the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and the Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Martin's position is now being questioned due to the recent run of three consecutive defeats, but he's expected to stay and battle through the current crisis.

But Mulgrew reckons that there's an obvious explanation for the veteran Irishman digging his heels and refusing to bow to the pressure.

Martin O'Neill should maybe have just rode off into the sunset

On The Breakdown podcast Mulgrew explained: "A lot of Celtic fans that I'm meeting are saying that Martin O'Neill should maybe have just rode off into the sunset after Celtic won the double.

"My take on that is that's fair enough. But my opinion is Martin O'Neill would have liked to have done that but – like we all would – his reward would have been a contract. A two-year contract, worth X amount.

Martin O'Neill, Manager of Celtic reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

"If he just walks away and says 'thanks', I don't think he is getting a penny – or he is getting very little – compared to what he is due now. If they got rid of him now, it would be close to £1million I would imagine.

Mulgrew continued: "I think the standoff now is he still thinks he can do the job, but I don't think Martin O'Neill is leaving with no money. And I don't think Celtic want to pay him.

"Things aren't a disaster right now, he has only lost three games – three big games, and that is a disaster at Celtic sometimes – but if you actually take a step back, he is still top of the league.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill and assistant Shaun Maloney during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

"There is still a lot that can be done this season, there is a double still. If there is one man that can do it, it is him.

"So my point is, I think he would have liked to have done that [left in the summer] , but how do you go and knock back a two-year contract at Celtic with that money regardless of what age you are?"

Michael Nicholson stated that the club would back MON

After the defeat to the Rangers at Celtic Park, Martin admitted that he'd take a few days away with his family and would consider his position. Since then the Celtic support has had no real update other than Michael Nicholson's written remarks in the Celtic PLC Financial Results where we stated that the club would continue to support the manager.

So that rules out – for now at least – Celtic sacking Martin O'Neill. That would be unthinkable to most Celtic supporters with the more cynical ones pointing out that if Martin himself calls it a day he will NOT be entitled to the value of his one year contract, or what's left of it.

Martin O'Neill arrives at the stadium. Celtic v Rangers. Scottish Premiership. 20 September 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Both parties have an option for a second year but around the time of his recent health scare that he would definitely NOT look to take up that option himself, so we are essentially talking about ten months salary.

Celtic's next three fixtures are far from being easy

If Martin wants to go but can't for financial reasons then that is appalling. Celtic's next three fixtures are far from being easy. Motherwell away is followed by a trip to Lisbon to take on high flying Benfica then it's a tasty match against Hearts at Celtic Park.

Martin O'Neill arrives at Ibrox. Rangers v Celtic, Premier Sports Cup quarter final. Sunday 13 September 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Few would bet on Celtic winning all three of those games, unfortunately.

Speculation around Martin's future will intensify the longer this goes on with no real update. And you are left wondering what is happening at Lennoxtown during this international break regarding tactics and finding a solution to Celtic midfield woes.

Let's be honest Celtic are unlikely to get anything in Lisbon

Martin did say that the non international players would get much of last week off but would be back at Lennoxtown this week. Presumably he would have been there too but we don't know.

Let's be honest Celtic are unlikely to get anything in Lisbon – it would be a major surprise if that wasn't the case. If we lose at Fir Park before that game we could be in a position of having lost five matches on the bounce.

It's a real mess that has the potential to turn into a crisis and this time a managerial change that will involve paying a club legend what he is due. Let's hope that there's a solution on the park at Motherwell that relieves the pressure.

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Celtic in the Fifties by Matt Corr, in two volumes, both published on 4th September 2026 by Celtic Star Books. Click on image to order.

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you'll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE ….Hail Hail!