Celtic legend Martin O’Neill has returned to Celtic Park as interim manager following the shock resignation of Brendan Rodgers, stating he is only “keeping the seat warm” for a permanent successor.
The 73-year-old, whose first spell at the club was trophy-laden, admitted he was stunned to be asked to take charge.
His return follows a week of turmoil after Rodgers’ sudden exit was met with a scathing public attack from major shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Desmond described Rodgers’ actions while in the job as “divisive, misleading, and self-serving,” and challenged the former manager’s claims regarding contract extensions and player recruitment, asserting Rodgers was backed with “record investment.”
O’Neill, who won three league titles and took Celtic to the Uefa Cup final in his first spell, emphasized his role is strictly “short term.”
He will take charge of his first match on Wednesday against Falkirk, as the club sits eight points behind the Scottish Premiership leaders.
