The 73-year-old is in his second interim spell of the season but the Parkhead club are on the lookout for a new permanent manager as things stand
12:36, 17 Feb 2026
View Image
EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Pete Summers/Shutterstock (16608561y) Martin O'Neill, interim manager of Celtic Kilmarnock v Celtic, William Hill Scottish Premiership, Football, BBSP Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland, UK - 15 Feb 2026
Scotland and Leeds United legend Eddie Gray reckons Martin O’Neill could be tempted to stay as Celtic manager next season if he wins the Scottish Premiership title this season.
The Irishman has shown no desire to remain beyond the end of the current campaign as he looks to guide the champions to a fifth consecutive title in his second interim spell this season.
But Gray, who grew up a Celtic fan in Castlemilk before embarking on an illustrious career south of the border, believes O’Neill’s mind could be made up by what happens in May.
The former Scotland star, who spent almost two decades at Elland Road and was s star of Don Revie’s legendary side, told BOYLE Sports and Footy Accumulators’ podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football: “Martin O’Neill may decide that he wants another season at Celtic. You can never tell with his thinking – if Celtic are in the Champions League, then he may be tempted to stay on for another year.
“I think it all depends on how the season finishes and who wins the Scottish Premiership. Hearts have got a very strong squad and will certainly take some beating, but once the Old Firm get within touching distance, they’re used to the expectation of winning. A few months ago I thought it was a certainty that Hearts would win it.
Article continues below
“If Celtic win it, then O’Neill may be drawn to stay on for another year, so we’ll see what happens between now and the end of the season.”
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources . Click HERE