Martin O’Neill’s time as Celtic manager feels like it’s circling the drain, and frankly, it’s about time. That nightmare evening in Austria on August 25, 2026, against LASK kicked off a never ending downward spiral that’s still dragging the club down. Everyone’s asking who’s capable of coming in and actually changing the course of this season. It feels like we’re just waiting for the inevitable, and we definitely don’t need another Neil Lennon-style delay like during the dreaded Covid season.
The Six Names That Will Make You Weep
If you’ve seen the betting odds for the next Celtic manager getting passed around on WhatsApp, you know the vibe. It was truly one of the most depressing things I’ve ever laid eyes on, a reality check on where we are as a club. The top six candidates? Neil Lennon, Shaun Maloney, Robbie Keane, Scott Brown, Steve Clarke, and Alex Neil. Seriously, this list is not it.
Let me be clear: we *cannot* settle for any of these guys. Each one feels like a step backward. Neil Lennon? After everything that went down last time, it’s a hard pass. Shaun Maloney’s already struggling, even with O’Neill’s experience by his side. It’s just not working. And Robbie Keane? His controversy from his time in Israel would absolutely splinter the fanbase, turning the whole place toxic. Brown, Clarke, and Neil? None of them have the credentials for a job this big. Is it any wonder many of us are resigned to the status quo when these are the ‘inspiring’ names?
The £7M Question and the Unsung Savior
Now, amidst all that gloom, one name has garnered pretty universal appeal across the fanbase: Kieran McKenna. The guy’s definitely impressed at Ipswich Town, playing a genuinely good brand of football. He feels like a breath of fresh air, right?
But of course, there’s a catch. That estimated £7m+ compensation payout? Yeah, that pretty much rules him out. There’s no chance Celtic is shelling out that kind of money for a manager, no matter how good he is. So much for that bright spot.
Which brings me to the baffling part: why is nobody talking about Craig Bellamy this time? There was plenty of talk around him last season, and he’s currently the Head Coach of Wales. When you stack him up against the depressing carousel of usual suspects, Bellamy feels like the obvious choice. If Martin O’Neill resigns, looking past Bellamy would be a massive mistake, especially when the goal is to change the course of this season instead of just watching it continue its never ending downward spiral.
So, if O’Neill truly does decide to go, Celtic has a monumental decision ahead. It’s not just about filling a spot; it’s about charting a new course. You’ve got the depressing list, the expensive dream, and then there’s Bellamy. Choosing wisely could pull us out of this tailspin, but choosing poorly could send us deeper than that nightmare in Austria. Fans deserve better than a backwards step, and Craig Bellamy could be the only real hope for a fresh start.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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