Martin O’Neill became the oldest active manager in the UK when he returned to Celtic.
The Parkhead icon returned to Glasgow 25 years on from first arriving as manager, at the beginning of a spell which secured him legendary status at the club.
His impact since returning is being felt, too – Everton boss David Moyes says that the Celtic boss has him feeling ‘young again’.
Asked if he is a ‘much more relaxed’ person now than in his earlier career, Moyes said: “Yes, I believe I am, but others might say not…
“Probably my say not! But overall, I think with age – as most people in life will tell you – you mellow a little bit.
“But the big thing here is keep your energy up, keep your focus, keep doing the right things. I’m seeing people like Martin O’Neill into the job at Celtic.
“I think Martin’s 72 or 73? So I feel young again, that’s for sure!”
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Martin O'Neill arrives at Celtic Park for the game against Dundee
Credit: Getty Images/Ian MacNicol
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David Moyes on Celtic boss Martin O’Neill
Moyes continued: “There is a little bit of a resurgence of, sort of, more experienced managers beginning to pop their head up again.
“And I don’t feel that old at the moment. I feel young, and the players that I work with make me feel young as well.”
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An added disappointment to Celtic’s 4-1 defeat to Stuttgart on Thursday was that it marked O’Neill’s 1000th game with a heavy defeat.
The Hoops boss didn’t realise that he was closing on the accolade until just before the game, voicing his gratitude for the club allowing him to return to management.
Moyes reached the 1000-mark over four years ago, managing West Ham in a Europa League group stage draw against Genk.
The majority of the Scotsman’s games have come in the Premier League, particularly at long spells at Everton and West Ham. He won a European trophy with the latter.
He is, of course, a former Celtic player, making 24 league appearances at the Hoops, where he began his professional career.
He hasn’t forgotten his Celtic roots either – a few months ago, Moyes named Danny McGrain as the best player he ever played with.
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Martin O'Neill reacts to a decision made by a Celtic player against Dundee United
Credit: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
David Moyes’ Premier League record compared to Celtic boss Martin O’Neill
Comparing their Premier League records, you can see that, aside from the difference in number of games managed, the pair are remarkably similar:
Statistic David Moyes Martin O’Neill
Total Games 716 359
Wins 269 130
Win Percentage 38.6% 36.2%
Points Per Match 1.42 1.41
Best League Finish 4th (Everton, 04/05) 6th (Aston Villa, 3x)
Major PL Honours LMA Manager of the Year (3x) Manager of the Month (8x)
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