Glasgow Live updates | Martin O'Neill first press conference as Celtic boss

Martin O'Neill has been talking to the press after returning to Celtic on an interim basis

This follows Brendan Rodgers resignation

Author | Sean M

Pictured with the domestic treble in 2001. A more recent return on trophy day.

Updates from the press conference

Shaun Maloney speaks

The new interim assistant manager speaks fondly about his time with working with former boss Brendan Rodgers. 

He said it was difficult going into the training ground today without Rodgers and said it had been a traumatic day. 

Interestingly, he said the general mood before the previous two weeks had been positivs despite the inconsistent results and performances. 

A fantastic goal from Maloney from 2006...https://t.co/MbxXNmO0Do

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This is a good side lacking confidence 

Brendan Rodgers had voiced frustrations over the club’s summer recruitment before his departure.

Assessing the squad he inherits, Martin O'Neill suggests: "They have a couple of injuries to some key players, but the team are a good side.

"Maybe a bit of confidence has been lost. But the players are really good players and I'm genuinely looking forward to working with them, for how long I don't know.

"But that will be the ambition to get the club back to where they were. We have some really fine players at this football club and there are a lot of players who have won and know how to win."

Celtic have to win against Falkirk

O'Neill’s interim spell begins on Wednesday night when Celtic host Falkirk.

"There's a nervous excitement," he says. "Obviously I'll try to win the game - that's the most important thing."

Asked how he expects supporters to greet the return of a celebrated former manager, he continues: "If there is some sort of clapping for me, I'm well aware in this game that that lasts about 15 minutes.

"In this game, you have to win. It's in Celtic's DNA."

Working with former player Shaun Maloney

Asked about his working dynamic with Shaun Maloney, Martin O'Neill said: "Well, if this had been 20-odd years ago, I'd definitely be dishing out all the instructions. But, since this young man has been a manager, I will be listening more to him. He might be giving me the instructions.

"It's nice. I took him to Aston Villa and he returned to Glasgow claiming homesickness. So I have a lot to say to him, not all positive!"

Re-emphasizing that this is an interim arrangement

The new interim boss at Celtic Park has re-emphasized this is definitely an interim role. He admits there could be a new manager in charge by Thursday or in two weeks.

He said the club will he looking for a younger manager with a good CV.

What does the club need now?

In response to this question from a journalist, O'Neill says quite simply "winning football matches."

Sad to see the breakdown in relations between people at the club

Martin O'Neill said it was sad to see the breakdown in relations with the board that led to Brendan Rodgers' departure.

"Nerves and excitement..."

He started the press conference talking about nerves and excitement. He knows the club are looking for a permanent and long-term replacement to Rodgers. 

Arrival

O'Neill arrives at Celtic Park...pic.twitter.com/zSgS5vZzuT

— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) October 28, 2025

Martin O'Neill was all smiles as he arrived at Celtic Park before the start of his question and answer session with the local and national media.

Pre press conference quotes and updates

Martin O'Neill has described his role at Celtic as simply "keeping the seat warm" until a permanent manager is appointed, admitting he had to "pull myself up off the floor" when asked to take interim charge.

O'Neill, who left Celtic Park 20 years ago after a highly successful spell, will step in following Brendan Rodgers' surprise resignation on Monday.

BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Super Local Sports News | Glasgow | Scottish Premiership | Rodgers resigns as Celtic manager with Martin O'Neill to return superlocalnews.blogspot.com/2025/10/glas...

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Rodgers' departure was quickly followed by a stinging statement from major shareholder Dermot Desmond, who criticised his former manager's tenure as "divisive, misleading, and self-serving".

"I took a gasp of breath and asked if this was real," the 73-year-old told TalkSport ahead of his first game in charge, a Scottish Premiership fixture at home to Falkirk on Wednesday.

"It's difficult to turn down someone who gave you the job in the first place when they had great options 25 years ago. By the time I pulled myself off the floor, I thought maybe I should do it."