Martin O’Neill Reacts to Celtic 3–1 Loss to St Mirren, Sends Clear Message to Celtic Management as He Gets Angry

Martin O’Neill has delivered a passionate and pointed reaction to Celtic’s 3–1 defeat to St Mirren, issuing a clear message to the club’s hierarchy while urging patience over new manager Wilfried Nancy. The former Celtic boss, who enjoyed a brief but successful temporary return to Parkhead earlier this season, did not hide his frustration at the latest setback but insisted that rash decisions would only worsen the situation.

The Northern Irishman, one of the most respected figures in Celtic’s modern history, stepped back into the dugout earlier in the campaign following Brendan Rodgers’ departure. O’Neill oversaw eight matches in charge, recording seven victories and steadying the club during a turbulent transition period before Nancy was formally appointed as permanent manager. His short spell reinforced his enduring connection with the club and underlined his belief that he still possesses the energy and drive required at the highest level.

However, Celtic’s recent form has tested patience. Nancy has endured a difficult start to his reign, losing his first three competitive matches, with Sunday’s 3–1 defeat to St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup final intensifying scrutiny. The result, coupled with earlier defeats against Roma and Hearts, has sparked anger among supporters and renewed debate about leadership, recruitment and long term planning at the club.

Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Neill made it clear that while he understands the frustration, Celtic’s management must remain calm and resist the urge to panic. His tone was firm and, at times, visibly irritated by what he sees as short sighted reactions to early results.

“You cannot make a judgement on anybody over three games,” O’Neill said bluntly. “That is not how football clubs are built. You bring a manager in, you back him, and you give him time to understand what he has inherited.”

O’Neill stressed that context matters. He pointed out that Roma represented a difficult challenge regardless of venue, Hearts was a top of the table clash, and St Mirren have been one of the most consistent sides in the country this season. In his view, the cup final defeat, while painful, should not be used as a stick to beat a manager who has barely had time to settle.

“A Cup Final is a Cup Final,” he added. “Anything can happen. St Mirren have only lost once this season. These are not games you can simply dismiss. You are talking about a manager who has been in the job little more than ten days. Even if you have watched the team and studied the players, you still need time to truly learn about them.”

Despite his defence of Nancy, O’Neill did not spare Celtic’s board from criticism. His anger was directed at what he hinted could become a pattern of instability if decisive but measured leadership is not shown.

“This club has always been at its best when there is clarity from the top,” O’Neill said. “Managers need support, not constant doubt hanging over them. If you start questioning everything after a few bad results, you create an environment where nobody can succeed.”

The discussion also turned to O’Neill’s own future, after talkSPORT host Jim White asked whether he would consider another return to the Parkhead hot seat. O’Neill laughed off the suggestion but did not completely close the door.

“That would be hypothetical,” he replied. “It’s like asking me if my next birthday is 74. Which it would be. But look, if you see managers older than me still working at the top level, why not? I honestly believe I have as much energy as most managers at the minute.”

For now, however, O’Neill insists the focus must remain on backing Nancy and restoring stability. Celtic’s immediate task is to regroup ahead of their next Scottish Premiership fixture against Dundee United at Tannadice on Wednesday evening, a match that could ease some of the pressure if handled correctly.

O’Neill remains confident that the situation is recoverable, but his message to Celtic’s management is unmistakable. Panic, impatience and short term thinking have no place at a club of Celtic’s stature. Instead, strong leadership, unity and time are required to steer the club back on course after a bruisin defeat