IT’S EASY to lose focus in the midst of hysteria.
Surely no-one was surprised when Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson, in a prepared club statement, publicly backed Martin O’Neill and advocated support in the forthcoming weeks and months.
Despite the 74-year-old manager’s obvious disappointment and reaction after the third loss in eight days following a second collapse against Ibrox opposition that he would “genuinely reflect and see” what the immediate future held in store.
With a hint of well-honed Irish blarney, O’Neill added: “I’ll be 110 in two years’ time, so it might be time to wrap it up.”
FOCUSED…Martin O’Neill concentrates as he watches Celtic in action.
Nice line for the headline writers, but there was never even the remotest chance the veteran team chief would walk away from Celtic.
Equally, there was no likelihood of the club bringing his stay at Parkhead to a ruthless and abrupt conclusion.
I said so in this column on Monday and, trust me, I do not possess the skills of a clairvoyant. Common sense came into play, simple as that.
And I have no requirement to gaze into a crystal ball to inform you Celtic would not have released such a statement of endorsement for the manager without the approval of the man himself.
So, I wouldn’t be overly concerned about random comments from elsewhere about O’Neill saying ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to the commendation from above and heading off to a remote retirement home to while away the hours watching daytime TV.
O’Neill has been there, seen it, done it and got the Celtic shirt even before he stepped foot in Paradise for the first time in June 2000. There can’t be anything left to shock or surprise the venerable son of Kilrea.
He has the blessing of the board, but he also accepts there is a time limit on his tenure in the east end of Glasgow.
Celtic are actively looking for a long-term successor. I would not be one bit surprised to learn O’Neill is centrally involved in the selection process.
Nothing will be done behind his back. The manager will be aware of every move the club makes.
When the time is right and the suitable replacement has been found then O’Neill will gracefully take his leave.
An intelligent man, he has no intention of outstaying his welcome.
THE THINKER…Martin O’Neill in the Celtic dressing room.
The Celtic support will recognise him as one of their own and, hopefully, will also get behind him and the players as they did so spectacularly in the silverware run-in last season.
Once again, this is a time for everyone of a Celtic persuasion to pull together.
Knee-jerk reactions and panic buttons often come into play in these so-called moments of crisis when concentration can be obliterated.
There is no argument that the team’s fragility has been exposed in recent weeks and a bumpy ride can now be anticipated. There is much work to be done and we don’t need side issues.
At the first sight of blood, it appears there are some all too eager to throw in the towel.
Martin O’Neill will not be among that number.
ALEX GORDON
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