 Wednesday, May 25, 2005
The Martin O’Neill era ends
So the day has come. How ironic, the 25th May, maybe I should change my PIN number.
I am old enough to remember the last days of Jock Stein, not a happy time. Stein was being pilloried by Celtic fans for the teams decline in a manner few would admit to now.
In four years his team slid from Nine-in-a-Row and the semi-final of the European Cup to one championship in four, fifth in the league and no European football.
Stein was getting older – more remote from the players perhaps. He had personal health problems during this period as well. To those who look for a great manager, Jock Stein is as close as Celtic will ever see.
Without being disrespectful in any way to Billy McNeill, a fine manager, it took 22 years to replace Stein. Statistically, the chances of appointing a better manager now are extremely remote.
In leaving with his team at a low point, he has completed the symmetry with Stein.
I learned so much about football by watching his teams; how to defend, how to attack – simple stuff, I know, but it sure got us places.
He remains the only manager to leave the Premiership for a club in another league and declined all offers to return in order to stay at Celtic.
He lost only 4 from 20 league games against Rangers.
We had not recorded a victory at Ibrox in seven years before he came; he won there every season.
He brought Europe’s finest to Celtic Park and for three years remained undefeated at home, a feat unmatched in modern times by any team participating in European competition each year.
In getting to Seville we repeatedly “punched above our weight”. Weaker men would have stumbled against Blackburn, never mind Celta Vigo, Liverpool, Stuttgart or during that incredible night against Boavista.
Last season he beat every club in the league home and away in consecutive matches, the most stunning show of strength this country has ever seen.
He gave us ‘Six’.
He loved every minute of his time here, he was motivated by the same thing you and I are; success for Celtic Football Club.
The disappointment of Sunday is old news now; our loss today is greater. That he managed to hold things together this season as well as he did is to his credit.
Martin, best wishes to you, Geraldine and your family.
God Bless
Paul67
Suppose I better get that PIN number changed now.
165 Comments:
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Big Joe Says.......
God bless MON
Long live CELTIC FC
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All my thoughts with maritn and the family, watching the news tonight and seeing that press conference from 2000 it doesnt seem like five years ago, that to me is a compliment to the man as they say when your enjoying yourself time flies.
I live just 5 miles from Kilrea Martins birtplace and around here everyone claims to be related to him. He is a legend and will always be a hero of mine.
So many memories thanks for bringing us back to the big time good bye and god bless Martin O'Neill.
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I´m currently in a internet cafe in La Paz (Bolivia) the same place where my heart was ripped out on Sunday morning.
I would just like to thank Martin for the last five years and for giving me some of my favourite moments as a Celtic Fan.
You will always be remembered.
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Martin O,neill you will be sorely missed.A living celtic legend who brought us back to where we belong from the depths of despair.My sincerest sympathy in this very trying time to all of your family and loved ones.
"You,ll never walk alone"
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I will never forget the look of sheer joy on my dad's face as we went crazy when Paul Lambert scored the third in the 6-2. That was the first of the many brilliant memories that Martin has left me with.
Saturday is our chance to let him know once and for all what he has meant to 'the football club.'
All the best to you and yours.
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I hope nobody objects to me copying my post from the previous topic which is more relevant here in any case.
I have criticised Martin for many decisions this year. He has, after all, made at least twice as many errors this season than in the previous four combined in my opinion. Despite this, I came home close to tears tonight and my wife told me she thought I would be less upset if she was leaving. She's probably right, and I love her to bits! I needed some time to myself and went running with some music and just thought about everything that Martin achieved for us in those four years - so many great memories, but more importantly, a sense of pride more than just restored.
It is undoubtedly the end of an era, and we have to prepare at least for the possibility of difficult times ahead. While we achieved great success, one regret I will always have is that Martin was actually a desparately unlucky Celtic manager. When we did win a competition, we did it by a mile, but almost all our 'failures' were by the proverbial bawhair. We were so close to so much more. We lost 2 league titles by a single goal and three minutes, we lost a Cup Final in the last minute, a League Cup Final because of a missed penalty and a bad offside decision, and 2 other league cup ties to Rangers after extra time. We lost to Bordeaux after extra time, were cheated in Turin, went out of the CL despite having 9 points, lost to Valencia on penalties, lost to Basle on away goals, lost in Munich because of Hedman's complete incompetence, lost in Lyon to a late and highly debatable penalty, and in Milan to yet another late goal. Some would include Seville in this list also, although I have honestly always believed the better side won, however unfairly.
I prefer not to describe Martin as 'Celtic-minded' as firstly I hate the phrase and some of the associations which would exclude me and others who love the club as much as anyone, and secondly because I don't think he came to Celtic as a diehard fan. What he did become which I will always love him for was one of us. Who will forget the jumping on the touchline, the stalking of the referee in Turin, the banging of the fist into the ground in Basle and dragging Neil over to the fans at Ibrox - all things we would have done.
I still hope he's toying with our pathetic, bitter petty media, and will make fools of them all once again tomorrow or whenever, but I now think this is wishful thinking. I am less sure that Strachan has been picked as a replacement, and have to say he just doesn't feel right. A couple of others have said they weren't sure about O'Neill when he was appointed but I certainly felt he was the best man for the job and I suspect most fans agreed.
I don't really care for myself whether we win on Saturday or not. I care far more for one person only. The only thing that matters is that Martin leaves our club as a winner. The players have to 'give it everything', and equally importantly, the fans need to back the team like they've never done before regardless of how let down they feel about Sunday, even if things are not going well on the park.
Thanks for everything Martin. I am not a religous man, but I know you are and will pray for you and your family.
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Martin if you leave, i wish to thank you for turning Celtic into a force to be feared again in europe...however if I can assist you in becoming a better manager by saying don't be so loyal to your staff and players.....for example you lost the best of many players by trying to accommodate John Hartson, you moved the best target man in football in Sutton to midfield to accommodate big bad John, in turn you moved possibly the best attacking midfielder Petrov to the right wing so Sutton could moved to midfield to accommodate big bad John, you lost out on Agathe's pace on the right wing by moving him to a non threating position at the back, by moving Stan to right wing and Didier to right back to accommodate big bad John, you may well turn this around and tell us about BBJ's goal scoring record...however I feel that any average striker playing with Celtic getting the service Celtic's forwards get would score as many if not more than BBJ who in my opinion is the laziest striker ever to grace our hallowed turf...Good luck to Geraldine and yourself Martin...may your spirit remain in the parkhead dressing room
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Lenty28 - while I actually agree with much of what you say, and while I can't pretend to speak for everybody on this site, I don't think you should make these sort of points on this particular thread.
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Lenty28 - Your comments (right or wrong) have no place here. I am totally devastated that MON is unable to continue in charge of our great club. Alas I feel that it may become apparent just how spoiled and complacent the Celtic Support have become once he is no longer around. Seville, 6-2, The Treble, the Green and Whitewash, Juventus, Stuttgart, Liverpool, Blackburn, Valencia, Barcelona etc etc......
McLeish may have stolen a few trophies from us, but Rangers fans have had nothing like the experiences we Celtic fans have enjoyed over the last five seasons.
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First time posting, long time reader.
If as seems likely, Martin is to leave, then I wish him & His family every Health & Happiness.No league title can be worth putting your family 2nd.
I've always felt that celtic fans have a habit of not really realising what they've got till it's gone (Stein, Dalglish (player), McStay, The Bunnet) & I reckon time will prove the same with MON. Heartfelt thanks & best wishes Martin
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Thanks for everything Martin, your legacy of success will never be forgotten.
Saturday is shaping up to be an emotional one... Whoever is there, sings your hearts out for the man!
Hail! Hail!
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It's not difficult to seperate the emotion of the O'Neill family's personal battle and the stewardship of the Celtic Football Club. But first let me say that like all Celtic supporters I wish Martin and Geraldine the very best.
While Martin's contribution to the club over the past five years is unquestioned…it's time for change. The team has taken on the personality of it's manager, a one dimensional form of play and thinking that has finally caught up with us. The league was not lost on Sunday, it was lost earlier in the season when it became abundantly clear that we couldn't change the way we play. Even when we had players who could have changed it, MON's tactical concepts could not accomadate their skills. For long spells "skilled" players were either played out of position or sat on the bench, some at great financial expense. Honestly, is their anybody out there that would alter their midfield to accomadate Thompson over Petrov (is it me or is Stan the only midfielder at this club who knows how to run)?
It's not how much money you have, it's what you do with what you get, look at the Porto's and PSV's. Think of the the first 3 years of success during MON's tenure at Parkhead and what comes to mind…Henrik…how fortunate was that?
Martin came at the right time, we needed someone to restore confidence in ourselves and for that I'm grateful.
Hail! Hail!
T.O.Bhoy
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MON had un unquantifiable magic, evident from day one, that will be nearly impossible to replace. With him in charge I honestly felt that almost anything was possible.
Saturday will be a right old emotional affair. Also, with Henrik coming back for a guest appearance, and what looks like the end of the road for a few familiar faces, Sunday could be a real event.
Thanks MON, for bringing pride back to the club and for some utterly extraordinary, unbelievable memories.
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This post will look a bit foolish if Martin decides he's staying with the club will it not?
I think we should wait until official word is announced before saying our farewells, lads.
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It goes without saying that all in the Celtic family wish MON well in his personal life .
If , as it seems likely , we get an annoncement today on MONs departure I for one will be happy that MON can focus on his life outside football . He has taken us all to great heights and our love and admiration for him will never diminish .
The future for our club is a seperate issue .
To look at that .... do any intelligent fans , of which we have very many, feel let down by our treatment by the club . In particular PR is woeful . We are the biggest club in the world , forget the rest . Yet we have continual speculation , rumour , innuendo ,
The future . Could the Club perhaps share the vision . I would like to know the strategy to achieve European success . Another star on the shirt is overdue .
I do not need to know the exact budget but vision , leadership and stratecic planning might be nice to know .
If the GS rumours are true . Again a little bckground would be nice . Were there any other applicants . Was it the quick fix , the cheap answer ?
We stand at the crossroads . I hope that we are on the one road again . The map and the compass point me to the Champions League win but are these items in the board room or did someone forget to lease , rent , bosman or buy one .
The future starts on Saturday with green and white ribbons on the cup . I am sure the meeja are desperate to compare us again with the cousins of william . Lets ram it down their throuts .
We are Celtic .
Coatbrig Bhoy
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Martin is a diehard Celtic man who wears his heart on his sleeve.
Whatever you may think of the attractiveness and style of his/our team, his 5 year track record was excellent.
Family is the most important thing in life.
Thanks a million Martin and all the best.
You are welcome to take your place alongside the fans in the stands any day.
You will join the ranks of the Celtic legends and in due course the fans appreciation for you will only grow more.
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This is by far the saddest week as a Celtic supporter in my life.
Thanks Martin for the great times, you will be sorely missed, i hope that you will return as our manager again, if the opportunity arises you will be welcomed back with open arms.
I remember when he came to celtic i was looking at newsnow every 5 minutes for confirmation. I remember the press conference and the excitment that it was all true and he was confirmed our manager.
We could not have imagined what would follow in the next 5 years.
God bless you Martin and i hope your wife makes a full recovery and you both return to normal happy everyday life in the near future.
It looks like the GS stories are true as well.
No point in complaining guys, MON is a very difficult man to replace and we need to give our backing to the man who is taking over.
It's a very, very sad day.
I should have told my clients i was taking a holiday this week, i don't see much work getting done.
Lets give MON a decent send off at the final. he gave us a lot more than we expected and deserves to know what he brought to the club will not be forgotten.
Tony, Latvia
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It is testimoney to mon that people still dont belive he is leaving but he is and he will be sorley missed. He gave a team on its knees hope and fans memories for years to come. I will miss mon . JR but steve walford more why are they going to? We will not enjoy the success we have had under MON with a joke like strachan and as a seasopn ticket holder and follower to all the away games he will have my support but not my confidence or approval its a backward step.
Well enough heres praying MON and his family have many many more years to come back to Paradise and cheer on the hoops
We will miss you mon
JJ
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Ouch
This is a sore one.
At the end of last week I was looking forward to a party and MON's intimations were that he was looking forward to the next few weeks and they were going to be exciting. I thought he was including us in that.
We were actually beginning to seriously talk about funding and who was available to buy.
Then Sunday, now this .....it's a big drop.
Don't misunderstand me, I'm not having a go at MON, he did what he had to do.
What he has been going through, nobody knows. What him and his whole family are going through now, it's upsetting to even think about it.
Maybe he stayed a season too long, maybe he should have taken time out last year or mid way through the season. The fact he didn't, shows a man of incredible standards, commitment and integrity.
He has been our leader, his record will be difficult, if not impossible to match, lets all accept that. He has given us experiences that we daren't dream could be achieved.
We have evolved as a club and as individuals, our targets are higher and the bond in the 'old school' supporters, probably even stronger.
It is a sad day, but ultimately it's a decision he has had to make.
Sunday is irrelevant to what his family are going through now, lets keep everything in perspective.
Our thoughts are with Martin and Geraldine.
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Would just like to echo the sentiment of most posters here in thanking Martin for giving us our pride back, and big time. Although he wasnt as bulletproof as most of us believed, there seemed to be lots of short term memory guys calling for his head. I personally would have loved to see him getting a huge transfer budget in the summer, but alas it seems not to be. As for his successor, if it is Gordon Strachan I can see why there are lots of sceptics, I come into that category myself, but we`ll get behind him and hope he proves us wrong. All the best wishes in the world go out to Martin and his family.Thank you, and God bless you.
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I agree with JJ, i think we should have tried to keep John Robertson and Walford as backing for Strachan.
I hope Strachan can put out a team to play football on the ground.
He will have my backing but i too am not that confident, hoping to be proved wrong.
Tony, Latvia
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A massive thank you to MON and his backroom staff for the wonderful memories! If its possible I now wear the hoops with even more pride after joining the celtic family in partying in Seville. MON you gave us this and we are eternally grateful, lets not let the events on Sunday undermine the fantastic job he has done.
My earliest memory of O'Neills fantastic man management skills was in an article in an irish newspaper. On his first address to the hoops team he inherited (the one which lost the league by 20+ points) he said "bhoys I will always be straight down the line with you, there will be no lies. However in the next few days you will hear me tell a lie. When the press ask me if we can win the league my answer will be that the target is to close the gap. Pay no attention to this - we will win the league and averyone in this dressing room better start believing it"
And the 40 point turnaround as they say is history!
God bless
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God Bless Martin and his family.
Mon has given us success again, pity those overpaid prima donas hadn't thought they just had to turn up to win or we would be sending Martin off with another championship.
Let us all have total commitment again on Saturday to give Martin a real winning send off.
Thank you Martin for making me proud to be a Celtic supporter once again.
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My teenage years were spent in the nineties following Celtic whilst our rivals equalled our famous NIAR.
The last five years have been an absolute Rollercoaster with many more highs than lows.
One word.........SEVILLE.
Thank you Martin O'Neill, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
We will never forget.
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I wish Martin O'Neill and his family all the best and sincerely hope his wife is returned to full health. My own family have been touched by this terrible illness and I truly know how it feels. I would like to thank him and his team for some of the most wonderful footballing memories over the past 5 years.
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Ohh for MON to say nothing, Ohh for celtic to say nothing, Ohh for the story to be bullshit. Ohh for MON to take the mike on saturday after a cup win and say, do you not know me by now. Thats my wish but there seems to be a fate accompli here, Ohh for it not to be true.
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Please don't post here today with comments about the team's style of play or the events of last Sunday or about the perceived mistakes you believe were made during this season. This is the saddest of days for Celtic and its supporters. A true Celtic hero and legend is leaving us. I wish Martin and his family all the best for the future.
Thanks for some great memories Martin and and because of you once again in Europe 'Everybody knows our Name'
Johnnybhoy.ch
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I fear for celtic now. If strachan is to take over what of the squad?. Will we be lumbered with hartson, who would buy him, who would pay the wages he is on, what length of contract is he on. We can say goodbye to bellamy if strachan comes in, thats for sure.
All of a sudden I have this sense of forboding, were we conned into purchasing season tickets early has this all been discussed and indeed planned in advance.
I have no problem with MON I sincerly wish him and his family all the best if the story is true. Indeed I want him to stay and re build the team.
We need leadership now from the board which I doubt will be forthcoming, we are being taken for mugs and if the board do not act appropriately, then we might just jump up and bite them where it hurts. Desmond put up or shut up and move on.
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Absolutely gutted.
All I can say is thank you, good luck and good bless to you and yours Martin.
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A sad day in the history of Celtic Football club and today of all days. Martin has given me the happiest days of my life being a Celtic Fan. For example my six-year-old son asked why were we getting beaten against Rangers – I then realised that being only six he hadn’t encountered this before.
Best wishes Martin to you and yours.
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God bless Martin, you gave us memories that will be forever treasured.
Chrisg
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So sorry to see Martin go. He was truly one of us and gave us days and nights I fear we'll wait a long time to see again if Strachan gets the job. I hope I'm wrong but this is a real big step backwards.
Personally, in the absence of getting one of the big foreign coaches, I would have went for Mick McCarthy who's a Celtic diehard.
Told me one night a couple of years back (after a right few scoops mind you)he'd crawl to Glasgow for the job.
Still, Saturday's a day for us the show the world the green blood is still pumping and get right behind the bhoys. Let's lift the roof for Martin.
Good luck and God give strength to you and your family Martin.
We won't forget what you've done for us.
Shugster
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God Bless you Martin & thanks for everything.
By the way lets get behind wee Strachan. MON arrived from unfashionable Leicester & i think a section of the support welcomed him due to his religious persuasion. As sad as this seems it is very true. We're always patting ourselves in the back for being a team that welcomes all religions/cultures - it's about time we buried these backward sentiments. Some of the support don't seem willing to give Strachan a chance & unfortunately this is based on the fact he is not a die hard tim. I hope the wee guy proves these clowns wrong & brings back the attacking football MON's team played in his first season.
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Paul, are we to take it from your post that you have had things confirmed from a source or sources with CFC? Or have you simply been convinced by the sheer volume of news agencies carrying this story?
I guess the question is moot if the news is released by the club this morning but I cant help thinking that if it is the latter then you are betraying your own mission statement.
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Martin O'Neill.
All our love, prayers and heartfelt thanks go with you.
Martin dragged us up from a dark place when he arrived and quite simply gave us back are pride. He knew how to win.
He gave us more joy in his 5 years here than we had in the previous 25 years.
In an ironic reversal, Martin will be linked with a return to the club he loves almost from the day he leaves. Similar to the way he was linked with moving away from the club almost from the day he came.
Certain Martin doubters (and lot's of Martin believers) will only appreciate what he gave us in the times after he leaves us.
The wee man from County Derry -
We Salute You!
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Martin Thanks for taking our club to heights we would never have thought possible just five years ago. You and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of the whole Celtic family.
[guys, lets express our thanks on this thread. Plenty of chance to debate everything else after today]
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Thank you Martin O'Neill for showing us what success really means. I am not old enough to have ever seen the success with Jock Stein at Celtic, but all that changed because of you.
You will go down as a Celtic legend, as will your team, that historic journey to Seville, the whitewash and so much more. I've got more memories in the past 5 years than I've ever had from supporting Celtic.
I'm sure that everyone in attendance on Saturday and Sunday will show you exactly what you and your team means to us when we come to the end of an era and we should use this opportunity to celebrate what has been a fantastic journey with you.
Martin O'Neill, thank you.
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Has a press conference been called for today? Has the stock exchange been informed?
I still can't believe this until i ear it officially.
Why would Martin talk about planning for the future, bellamy's contract etc if he knew he was leaving?
I don't want to believe it.
Tony, Latvia
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In all the articles I have read about his departure the only source mentioned is chick young
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Good Luck Martin, Thanks for everything. Its been a wonderful time for us.
More importantly, good luck to you and your family. Hope all will be well.
Enjoy Saturday, its your day.
I agree Vargashampoo. (sad to say)
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Graham Spiers in the Herald seems to have been convinced of the authenticity of the story and his is normally the only journalist's opinion I trust.
I'm still grasping at the slim hope that this is all some huge mistake but my denials are starting to sound hollow even to myself :(
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The expected confirmation of the departure of MON makes this a truly sad day.
I am sitting here watching sky sports waiting for the official nail to be driven into the coffin of Martins tenure. I still hope forelornly that the news will never come but sadly it seems inevitable.
I feel an overwhelming sense of anger, angry at the players, that they couldnt give the man the result he deserved on Sunday.
I believe they owe MON, I also believe we owe him. Hampden on Saturday presents an opportunity for both fans and players to repay some of the debt, to provide a tribute befitting a man who has given so much to all of us.
This is indeed a sad day, the saddest part being the reason for his departure.
To Martin and his family, I wish you strength and good fortune for what lies ahead.
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If indeed it is true that Martin is to leave us after the weekend, then I hope he does so with heartfelt thanks and appreciation from Celtic supporters world-wide. I know he has mine.
Thanks Martin, and I wish you and your family nothing but good will for the future.
Malcolm Hutcheon
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To answer a direct question, a press conference has been called today. I echo some of the calls to keep this thread in tone with the many comments already posted.
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May God shine on you Martin O' Neill for the courage you have shown, thanks for the memories, like most things some won't fully miss you til your gone, only then will what you've done for me and all Celtic fans really become apparent, the very best of Luck to you and your family, the strength you bring to them will help no end in the far more important struggles that lie ahead. Go N'eiri an bothar leat. Slan.
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Martin, thanks for everything, we wish you all the health and happiness for the future for you and your family.
You will never be forgotten.
God Bless
Martyn Rodden
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Great article Paul, very emotional and truly reflects on the wonders MON worked with his time at Celtic. Sometimes people forget what this extraordinary man did to our club.
As far as I'm concerned Martin, you have established your name in the Celtic FC History books. I hope to see you return in the game sooner rather than later, and my best wishes to Geraldine and the family.
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I, like Paul and no doubt countless others also remember the latter end of the Stein years. These were marred my two hun trebles(albeit split up by a Double from ourselves) some dodgy signings, Kay,Dowie and Filippi spring to mind and poor European results to the likes of wisla krakow and wacker innsbruck. Had there been the kind of outlet at that time that this site affords us(and what an outlet its been in the last few days)then Im sure many would have criticised the Big Man, but the majority would have realised that he'd changed our history and would have treated hi m with due respect.Well in my own humble opinion MON has changed our recent history and though things have gone wrong this season lets give our Mon the send-off He deserves on Saturday. In the nineties we won each of the domestic trophies ONCE. The wee man took them all in his first season and restored our credibility in Europe. Lets not Forget. Mark-F
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Your pin is coincidence, not irony. Apart from that it was a nice piece. Keep up the good work Paul.
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Me and my mate Philbin were 19 when MoN took over at the helm; still youngsters. When we look back on the last 5 years of life we remember each event in relation to what Celtic were achieving at that particular time. For example, “Do you remember when such-and-such happened? It was just after Celtic beat Barca… Now you remember?”… When ever the lhads come round for a BBQ, or a party, with the club-tunes annoying my Rangers-supporting neighbours, we always get the photos out of the Hibs final, Ibrox 3-0, Stuttgart, Liverpool, Seville and reminisce as 24yr olds can. All this made possible under the stewardship of the legend, Martin O’Neill.
The last five years has been the most consistent period of footballing success that I have ever experienced. It has been one hell of a time and despite the lows (count on one hand) I have enjoyed every moment of it. Ten years ago finishing 2nd would have been an achievement. Now it’s a sign of how far we’ve come when fhans are re-writing the Doomsday Book following Sunday’s events. We now expect to finish first. An expectation given to us by Martin O’Neill and his fine players.
Saturday will be a massive game and an emotional one. I for one will be signing “Martin O’Neill, Martin O’Neill, Martin O’Neill” etc at the top of my voice on Saturday, and I’ll be watching it from my livingroom (sorry, neighbours). I have the mumps you see.
Hail! Hail!
TinneyBhoy
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Anon, the PIN is not coincidence, I assume it was chosen to commemorate a great Celtic event and it is ironic it now also marks a sad one.
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Martin is our hero! We`ve thought about him every day for 5 years. We shared the triumph and the disappointments. We will never forget him, we are Celtic supporters.
All the best for the future.
Ian Old Kilpatrick
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i turned to my friend after sunday and said, this is as bad as it gets, this is the bottom of the barrell, little did i know i was about to be beaten while i was down. I make no bones for the fact that i am a huge marty man, my dad had big Jock, my generation (mid 20's) had no one, until marty walked through the door.
It says a lot about the boards ambition that walking out the door is one of the most wanted managers in football, and rumoured to be walking in, is one that no one seemingly wants! ofcourse we will back him, but why him and not someone that has cut the mustard in Europe, answer = they will demand money. The fact that Robbo and Walford will be leaving (i still dont know why, they have to take a year out because marty is?i hope that is their decision not Celtic's) really drums home that this wonderful era really is about to come to a premature end, especially if another manager walks into money, and Marty has been desperate for some since Seville, and has been unable to build, since Seville. Marty had to take his team on a gruelling pre-season trip involving thousands of miles of travelling, just because his board have told him the money from that is all he'l have to replace Henrik, what a joke. I dont care who comes in, in a years time, if please god all is well at home, i want us to ditch him, and move the earth to get him back!
Marty thanks for the memories, thanks for the moments you amused us all, thanks for being you!
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The dreaded press conference is at noon.
Martin O'Neill I sincerely wish you and your family all the best. Haste ye back.
To the Celtic board. Your mark on this great club will be made today.
It is vital that you get it right.
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My feelings for MON are summed up in one word.....Seville.
That will stay with me forever and I thank you MON for that.
I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
God bless...till we meet again.
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Never in all my years as a Celtic supporter have I experienced such overwhelming pride and elation than when we marched with O'Neill.
When we look back at the last five-years we will all realise that this man gave us much more than we would ever have dared ask for.
God Bless Martin, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done for our club.
In the battles ahead please remember that "You'll Never Walk Alone".
Hail! Hail!
Wee Jinky
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Well Lhads looks like it'll be a high noon, press conf. at 12.00.
Don't really needs to say anymore on our best wishess to MON and family its already been said.
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Suddenly last Sunday is put in its proper context: it was just a game of football. For the second time in five years we lost the league by the narrowest of margins but we have got over worse blows in the past. Celtic will be back. So, God willing, will Martin.
The sufering of a loved one is something which exposes the relative successes and failures of overpaid sportsmen for the trviality that it is. At times like these, a family draws closer to offer mutual comfort and consolation. The prodigious number of postings on this site since Sunday is testament to our own need for support following a mere sporting mishap. Our pain is as nothing compared to that being endured by the man who has given us so much happiness over the past five years. Like many other supporters of this remarkable football club, my prayers are with him and his family.
Oh, how I would love to believe that the awful news will not be confirmed today. However, my information is that ALL newspapers were tipped off by Celtic's PR gurus yesterday afternoon.
Discussions about the SPL title, cup final, tactics, players and Gordon Strachan can wait. Today, let us just think of all those remarkable days and nights Martin, his staff and his team have given us. I've been doing just that this morning and have soaked my keyboard in tears.
God blessed us the day he walked through our front door. May God bless him now.
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I started supporting celtic as a child when my dad took me to celtic park. This was the 89-90 season - the beginning of lean times. Going through something like that makes me appreciate the good times O'Neill delivered.
I think its about time Celtic FC released an updated official history DVD to put the achievements of this man into a proper context, lest anyone doubts the strides weve made over the last 5 years.
Onwards and upwards (but please not Strachan - we need the club to show some ambition in these testing times).
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To Martin I will reprise my drunken ramblings when I met him late one night on the streets of Basle; thank you, thank you, thank you. (I still cringe every time I think about that moment when the most profound and articulate phrase that I could think of was thank you). Anyway thank you for Seville, thank you for the trophies, thank you for 6-2, thank you for ripping the pish out of the chip-wrappers, thank you for giving me my best ever 5 years as a Celtic supporter. Good Luck and good health to you and your family with whatever life throws at you next. You leave us with nothing but happy memories.
You are a Celtic Legend.
To Paul,
Keep up the good work. Your Blog is more addictive than crack cocaine.
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Taggsybhoy
Martin. In case you do not read CQN, I'll send you this on a card.
In June 2000 we were in a sorry state. If anyone had dared dream of beating Rangers 6-2, whitewashing them in the league, outclassing Liverpool, and many other magical moments, they would be being cared for in the community.
Then you walked through the door. I was unbelievably lucky in meeting you in June 2000 and seeing your quality at first hand.
I organised a school visit to Celtic Park (its a hard life this teaching stuff, honest!). We were standing outside the main entrance waiting to go in. You were getting some official photos taken with the press photographers. You spied us out the corner of your eye and said "I've had enough guys, I want to go and talk with the kids!"
You marched over, with the photographers in pursuit. You asked "which one of you are Celtic supporters?". Coming from an Edinburgh school, none of them were! You grabbed one wee bloke, Paul Gilchrist, who happened to be a Hibs fan and play wrestled with him to support a "decent team!". Wee Paul loved it. We all did. Even the Rangers fans, who till then had been a bit grumpy, saw that you were a guy with real people skills. The photo was splashed across the back pages next day, and I still have it in my classroom.
We needed a leader and we got one. You gave us our respect back in Europe, and for me, that is most important of all. We were robbed in Seville but you gave me the three happiest consecutive days of my life. Getting married and seeing my wee boy arrive were the happiest single days, but those 3 days in Seville were life affirming and will live forever. It was Celtic at its best. A club and a support unrivalled in the world. I hope we return to those glory days and you will be with us jumping up and down in the stand.
I hope you will always see Glasgow and Celtic as your home. You will always be a hero to us, up there with big Jock. There is no higher compliment. If you fancy a wee game of golf in the summer, there's a certain CQN Open in Aberdour....
If Gordon Strachan is the man, let's get behind him, everyone of us. Those who do not like Celtic will love to see us divided.
God bless you Martin and your beautiful family. Let's get that cup!
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Paul67,I think you should maybe think about removing this foul post,
"4.09 "TheOrganiser"
Especially on a day like this.
My 11 year old son also reads this website along with other kids I'm sure.
Didn't someone post on here a few months back telling us all that one of the background staff wasn't renewing his sons private school fees for next year?
This has been going on for months at least then and as usual we the fans are the last to know about it,sad day when you have to read it first in the press once again.
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Thanks Martin, you showed the world what Celtic can be. God Bless and hurry back.
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"Veni,Vidi.Vici."
That sums it up.
Now let's look to Saturday as therapy and exorcise the demons of Sunday.
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Press Conference due at 12 to announce Martin stepping down and new appointment.
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Paul,
I agree with anon@10.40am - no place on this site for posts like that.
Anon 10.40am - the wonderful E-Tims rumour mill ran the story a few weeks back that Steve Walfords' son was withdrawn from the school roll for next year.
I suppose you can deduce that MON made his mind up sometime earlier.
In fact, in an earlier topic, I am sure that someone alluded to him resigning last year after a meeting with Quinn in America (?).
Does anyone know if this rolling contract business means that he had to give a year's notice ? I am sure I read this somewhere ?
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Anon 10.40, Agree, just read the post. 'The Organiser', your sentiments were good, but this is a family site, an asterix does not confuse a child.
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its a sad day for us all ,but get the announcement first before the ragtags get in with the boot.
GOD BLESS MON & HIS FAMIILY
still hope its no ture
Financial Express Company Announcements (UK-Wire)celtic
Hail Hail
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sorry this is the link
http://www.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/index?company=CCP
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Best Wishes to Martin & his family. Many happy memories indeed, but a few people are getting slighly carried away. Mon's team with Larsson was a joy to watch, MON's team without Larsson was like watching East Germany. However, i'm not trying to be controversial as overall he made us proud again.
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And so an era comes to an end...
It would seem that it has been an open secret for some time and I hope that has not been a negative factor contributing to our end of season free-fall.
I honestly believe the club is going about this correctly for once. It seems MON gave a one year notice. It has been pretty well kept secret, except for a few signals here and there to test the water in terms of opinion.
Today not only will our greatest manager in many years leave, but his successor will be announced. The appointments of almost all recent managers have been botched - either by choice or by way of announcement.
MON was finally chosen over Hiddink, but due to TV commitments was not able to fully work with the squad before the season started. Luckily, there was no transfer window then and we were able to bring in players, notably Lennon, during the season.
The appointments of WTT and Dr Jo were bizarre to say the least. Dr Jo only got it when Hollier pulled out at the last minute and it took him too long to get the team playing as he wanted.
So today the new manager will come in, and if rumours are to be belived, it will be Strachan. Without looking specifically at his merits as a manager, it should be noted that he has been out of football for a 15 months. Hopefully he was identified many months ago and has been in preperation. this can only be positive and for once the manager will come in EARLY and PREPARED.
So, finally :
Martin, thanks - thanks very much. You have been great.
Gordon, welcome !
Brian
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It's very hard to articulate what Martin has done for us and the club over the last five
years.
From the days of Brady, Macari and sorry to say it Burns to a EUROPEAN FINAL, a TREBLE, a DOUBLE, a THREE YEAR UNBEATEN HOME RECORD - could any of us
hoped to achieve this in our lifetimes? (sorry auld yins)
For the first time in my life we were on top, we were the ones to beat. It vindicated the six years of abuse I took for being one of only a handful of handful of 'tic supporters at a 'non-denom' high school in "progressive" Motherwell ('91-'97).
It felt great,it still does - I know now how good we can be, Thank-you Martin - you gave me this.
God bless & good luck with the challenges ahead.
BW
The Bridgeworks
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Up until 5 years ago, we were no better than ordinary.
Martin and his team have given those of us who are old enough an opportunity to be proud and even arrogant again.
There's no one could have imagined 5 years ago that we'd have 'whitewashed' Rangers, gone to a European Final, beaten the best in England and in Europe. Seville will live with me forever and MON can rightly be mentioned in the same breath as Stein when we talk about the great times to our kids and their kids in future.
Our thoughts and hopes go with you and your family, Martin.
Let's make Saturday the MON Final and make sure everyone tuning in knows it!
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And so it came to pass.
Firstly I would just like to thank Martin O'Neill for the memories.The good ones, bad ones and damn right ugly ones.
I remember in the 90's Celtic when Celtic played PSG in the UEFA CUP.I was only six years old and I was so excited and happy that Celtic were playing on this stage.The place was buzzing and even though we were outclassed and hammered 0-3, it was an experience I thought I would never feel again.
Cue,Martin O'Neill.
The champion's league,wow, this was the tournament that you watched on TV.Manchester united, Real Madrid, Juventus, Barcelona, Milan...Celtic?
Surely not.
But Martin O'Neill has got us to this level.At Celtic Park the world's greatest players would now strutt their stuff.Del Piero, Trezuguet, Deco, Ballack, Shevchenko, Ronaldinho. etc
And the best part was we were beating these teams, we were living the dream...
I only hope now that God shows mercy on you and your family;it is the least that you deserve.
Good bye and God bless
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25TH MAY
this day in 1967 it was sheer joy the day we became the first British team to win the European Cup. I was lucky enough to be there! This day in 2005 it will be a day of sadness as it looks like we will be told we will be losing our greatest asset-MON. I feel great sadness for him and his family for what they are going through. Martin-we will miss you. On the last day of last season it was tears when we said goodbye to Henrik and on the last day of this season it will be tears again when we say goodbye to Martin. God it is tough being a member of this fantastic Celtic family. Let's give Martin a rousing farewell.
Paul67-thanks for the best ever site for Celtic supporters-keep up the good work!
Brendan, Stirling
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Well, if this is to be the last hour of Martin's tenure, so be it.
The emotions are all there....physical heartache, denial, fear, dread, sadness ( a terrible sadness). At times, I get engrossed in work and forget for half an hour but then I remember and it feels worse. I have not felt this way since when in my teens I was dumped by a flame haired beauty, coincidently, also by the name of O'Neill.
Taggsybhoy - your Martin story brought tears.
vclxi - your Martin story brought laughter.
Thanks for both. I had the great fortune of holding a season ticket at Filbert Street for Martin's 5 seasons there. On one occasion I was driving along the Upperton Road homewards when a blue Merc pulled out in front. I recognised the driver to be Martin. We reached the lights at Narborough Road and he turned left towards the motorway. I should've carried straight on but also turned left and followed the great man until we reached the motorway some 5 miles on. It was then I realised the poor man might think he's being stalked but some wayward Derby fan and so at |
