It seems incredible that it has been over 20 years since Martin O’Neill left his job as Celtic manager following his wife’s illness. In his five years here, he transformed the club and gave a new generation some of their greatest nights as Celtic fans. He changed history.
Before Martin, Celtic were second favourites, or worse, for over a decade. Since shortly after his arrival in 2000, we have been perpetual favourites, winning more than any other club in world football. His eloquence and enthusiasm inspired much of what you know and love about the club today.
Regrettably, I will not make the game tonight to see the man in person. Does he still jump at a goal? Football has changed a lot since the time his legend was respected across the Continent, but as the many who have heard him speak over recent years will confirm, his love of the club remains. He will be a sight to behold trackside in a Celtic jacket.
Falkirk started the month getting the point that was enough to see Russell Martin ejected out of Ibrox. This was followed by coming from behind to win at Motherwell, one of only two defeats the Lanarkshire side have experienced this season, before again coming from behind on Saturday to beat Dundee. They are a team who battle ‘til the end.
Celtic caught them cold on League Cup duty in August, winning 4-1. That game was easier than expected, indeed, it was easier than the same game a year earlier, when Falkirk were newly promoted to the Championship. I expect a tougher game tonight.
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There’s been a lot of hypocrisy among a lot of supporters since the shit hit the fan on Monday.
Every time over the past 20 years when Celtic suffered a bad result or went through a tricky period – season 2020/21 – people on here slaughtered John Kennedy and questioned what he did for the club.
In fact as recently as Sunday week after defeat at Dens Park, some CQNers were condemning JK for not doing his job when it comes to coaching the defence to defend corners.
Now that Kennedy has left the building, his departure is being lamented by all and sundry as a big loss and as someone who will be sorely missed.
For the avoidance of doubt, I defended JK on CQN after the defeat at Dens Park and was laughed at.
Some people need to be careful what they wish for.
geebee1978 on 29th October 2025 12:33 pm
I’m not convinced that MO’N wouldn’t be forward thinking (despite his age), but equally I doubt if he would take on an onerous role such as DOF . I still think he could be valuable as some kind of conduit between the two disjointed aspects of the club . After recent events, we could certainly do with someone on the footballing side that Dermot Desmond will listen to .
Maloney will be the new Kennedy, assistant manager to a guy he probably hasn’t even met before, don’t know another Club who does this nonsense.
Rodgers, by the way, four titles out of four. More than O’Neill.
And hated on here. Hated.
——
Not by me @JamesForrest (I’ve told you a million times; no exaggerating!)
Let’s see who the Board finally deem as a ‘traditions and values-aligned’ successor.
The Battered Bunnet on 29th October 2025 12:46pm
🤪
MON n’ Shaun the human shields 🛡️
I agree we have treated John Kennedy very well over the years. At the time of his injury when the SFA did SFA to help him, despite a career ending injury playing for the national team, we made sure he got a job and was financially secure. Often he has had the chance to take a manager’s job, including Hibs, and has declined, preferring no doubt the security and possibly higher salary at Celtic.
He is a Celtic man and a guy you can only like and respect.
The abruptness of his departure suggests a resignation in sympathy with BR. The very terse thanks from the club suggests the same. Whatever happened between BR and the club, John seems, sadly, to have been caught up in it.
I hope he finds a good post soon. Football management is a precarious business and he has been lucky to hold a job at a big club for 27 years. Many others who have taken the heat of club management have not been so lucky. But all the best to a good guy and a loyal Celtic man.
GLENDALYSTONSILS on 29TH OCTOBER 2025 12:54 PM
The DoF would oversee scouting, data analysis and coaching philosophy. Most top DoF don’t have actual football experience on the pitch. We’ve no idea if O’Neill is qualified for such a role or whether he would want it. It would be the equivalent of appointing a manager based on his footballing career – which we know doesn’t always end well.
Reflecting what many others have said, it is curious that the club haven’t had a kind word for John Kennedy, given his long association with the club.
Adam Sadler, Glen Dricoll and Jack Lyons are longstanding members of BR’s team and it’s no surprise that they’ve followed their boss out of the door.
Reading between the lines, you’d be forgiven for thinking that John Kennedy has joined them.
I suppose we’ll know in due course when/if BR gets another role or John pitches up somewhere on his tod.
Irrespective, I wish him well.
LesloupsCSC
BSR @ 12:52
Their lawyers. Both sets.
GLENDALYSTONSILS on 29TH OCTOBER 2025 12:54 PM
That said, I wouldn’t be against him being on the board in some capacity.
Bhoys Town- the rumour is Kennedy and the rest of the backroom team,went in to resign, and were sacked instead, which might explain IF true,that there is no tribute to his service on the website.
Geebee…you’re possibly correct about Martin, though not so much because of his age (I’m older than him) but he just doesn’t want the hassle such a job might bring. Who knows! Glendalystonsils is right in that he is someone Desmond would listen to respectfully.
Bada, rumour is no assistance to us. We’ll simply have to bide our time and see where all the pieces end up. If John ends up on his own, we can infer that he took his own decision. If he ends up with BR at a new gig in early course, it’s a fair bet that they’ve been prospecting as a combined ticket.
THE BADA BING
It must be something like that. The club has been v loyal to JK, and he loyal to the club. If it was an amicable parting there would have been something more fulsome, surely.
As I say, sad that he has been caught up in all of this.
But I am one of those who despair at our defensive organisation, and he is has to be part of this, as a former centre half and the main first team coach.
We need a new coach with new ideas and a backroom team of his own to implement them, particularly how we defend from the half way line back to the penalty box.
I am not sure Maloney has the personality to inspire players or to re-think that stuff, but we’ll see.
Monday morning East End Of Glasgow
Take a seat Brendan , first item of business we have drafted a communication which you need to deliver a wholesome apology to Hearts Football Club for your post match comments. We have had good relationships with Hearts for over 100 years , paying to complete their 1st World War Memorial for their players that got killed. This is a direct request from Dermot.
Secondly , at request of the Board , we have reviewed all of your communications this year and it is our legal opinion that you’re in breach of your contract , you can read this document with the examples.
Thirdly , you have failed to provide the board with any plan how from a football perspective you will rectify our failures against our leading competitors.
Your position will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
Thank you Michael, I’m not apologising to Hearts or anyone else , I’m resigning. I will not be signing an NDA.
Thank you Brendan , you can clear your desk , we’ll organise your transport home. Just to let you know Dermot is disgusted with your behaviour and will be issuing a strongly worded statement to that effect. You have 1 hour to leave the premises, good luck for the future.
Itcouldhavehappenedcfc
The second greatest manager in our history. However, he’ll get a rude awakening around the relative standard of player this time around, especially up front. Welcome to the slow late Martin.
I do think it’s a very smart move from Desmond to bring him. At the very least it will conflict the emotions of many, spiking the anger a bit.
I also think it gives us a much needed change. It was the right time for our third greatest manager to leave. He had proven himself incapable of clearing up the mess created by our would be owner and his empty suits. In fact he made a bad situation worse. It’s a Hail Mary for sure, but better than letting the slow motion car crash play out, as they did during the COVID season.
Oh and double layers required tonight.
Rumour /ˈruːmə/
noun
a currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
Farewell – John Kennedy tremendously talented Celtic CB thwarted by injury, very highly rated coach – Good luck 🍀
For the new boss see the old old Boss.
With regard to a future role for MON; why not Chairman.
how do you measure greatness for a manager ?
trophies won ?
attractive football ?
building great teams ?
all very subjective.
Reading over the comments on previous blog I am reminded of Donald Rumsfeld’s “Unknowns” statement:
“As we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”
Then almost by accident and from the same page above taken from I found this:
Rumsfeld also mentioned Socrates:
“Some with an interest in philosophy have made note of a line attributed to Socrates:
‘I neither know nor think that I know.’
This has been interpreted to mean that THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM IS THE REALISATION OF HOW LITTLE ONE TRULY KNOWS”
>Anyone who realises that all that the think they know is based more on what they do not know than what they do know, takes as much care as possible to be more certain of what they say and even then remain open to the possibility that there are still unknowns out there.
That keeps the mind open to the possibility that for all our convictions we might still be wrong and so be prepared to change our minds.That was weeks ago so has something changed since? We do not know. Meaning what? The Principal Shareholder leaked to the Sun or was responsible for the leak? We don’t know. We do not know why large sums are being held but I, hope answers are given at the AGM. In the absence of knowing ,the gap is filled by what each individual thinks they know. Ignorance of the full economic and financial rules Celtic must observe plays a partTrust left the room a long time ago and in its absence nothing means anything but the meaning given to it by each of us. Thus division is created.The Principal Shareholder has stated what he thinks to be true and appears to be angry and ( a meaning I am giving) is that is he might have felt a sense of betrayal by BR, but I just don’t know. So no judgement. In general terms once we accept we know sfa in terms of all there is to know, judgements carry less certainty of individuals either at Celtic or on blogs and in those circumstances greater harmony becomes possible.
” Michael Nicholson, Chris McKay and the rest of the board have shown they lack the strength or independence to stand up to Dermot Desmond. They are incapable of developing and executing a strategy that will allow Celtic to reach its potential and have repeatedly let down both the manager and the supporters”
> Alternatively, and my hobby horse, it is not solely down to personalities, but processes and failings in them. Hence my question to Comp Sec about Purpose/Vision/Strategy/Policy/Indicators-(measurement. Lions Roar not a personal dig because as individuals with limited knowledge based on past individual experience, we all judge to one degree or another, but the more we realise how little we know the more room reality has to occupy and it has to be better than what is currently being experienced..
Standing back, a Martian on observing human behaviour ,might say The Celtic Board and the Celtic Support have created the reality that now occupies our minds in a very negative way.
Once that is realised real change becomes possible.
Just read the CQN article which quotes (I assume accurately) the club statement about the departures of four of the football department group.
Speaking purely from the heart only …
… in the case of John Kennedy this is not good enough IMHO.
The other three were simply hired hands none of whom I’d recognise if they walked past me in the street.
John is one of us. Regardless of the circumstances of his departure …
(incl. any potential legalities the existence of which routinely lead organisations to button it)
… he deserves better.
Even 20 more words interwoven into that bog standard nothingness of a statement would have been a start.
Still the same
For any of you EK boys going to the game tomorrow, Farmeloan Rd at Chapman’s pub is closed one way going towards Celtic Park, diversion takes you out toward Cambuslang Rd.
Bsr a billionaire ……a thousand times over!
“As we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”
Then almost by accident and from the same page above taken from I found this:
Rumsfeld also mentioned Socrates:
“Some with an interest in philosophy have made note of a line attributed to Socrates:
‘I neither know nor think that I know.’
This has been interpreted to mean that THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM IS THE REALISATION OF HOW LITTLE ONE TRULY KNOWS”
>Anyone who realises that all that the think they know is based more on what they do not know than what they do know, takes as much care as possible to be more certain of what they say and even then remain open to the possibility that there are still unknowns out there.
That keeps the mind open to the possibility that for all our convictions we might still be wrong and so be prepared to change our minds.That was weeks ago so has something changed since? We do not know. Meaning what? The Principal Shareholder leaked to the Sun or was responsible for the leak? We don’t know. We do not know why large sums are being held but I, hope answers are given at the AGM. In the absence of knowing ,the gap is filled by what each individual thinks they know. Ignorance of the full economic and financial rules Celtic must observe plays a partTrust left the room a long time ago and in its absence nothing means anything but the meaning given to it by each of us. Thus division is created.The Principal Shareholder has stated what he thinks to be true and appears to be angry and ( a meaning I am giving) is that is he might have felt a sense of betrayal by BR, but I just don’t know. So no judgement. In general terms once we accept we know sfa in terms of all there is to know, judgements carry less certainty of individuals either at Celtic or on blogs and in those circumstances greater harmony becomes possible.
” Michael Nicholson, Chris McKay and the rest of the board have shown they lack the strength or independence to stand up to Dermot Desmond. They are incapable of developing and executing a strategy that will allow Celtic to reach its potential and have repeatedly let down both the manager and the supporters”
> Alternatively, and my hobby horse, it is not solely down to personalities, but processes and failings in them. Hence my question to Comp Sec about Purpose/Vision/Strategy/Policy/Indicators-(measurement. Lions Roar not a personal dig because as individuals with limited knowledge based on past individual experience, we all judge to one degree or another, but the more we realise how little we know the more room reality has to occupy and it has to be better than what is currently being experienced..
Standing back, a Martian on observing human behaviour ,might say The Celtic Board and the Celtic Support have created the reality that now occupies our minds in a very negative way.
Once that is realised real change becomes possible.
(a repeat as previous was scrambled by lightning as I posted)
Looking forward to watching the game tonight.
After reading lots of patronising and condescending comments on MoN and Shaun over the past 24 hours, I’m rooting for these guys more than ever.
I hope they have the last laugh.
P67 was bigging up Chris Davies recently. He has shortened quite a bit with the bookies.
bournesouprecipe on 29th October 2025 1:35 pm
Farewell – John Kennedy tremendously talented Celtic CB thwarted by injury, very highly rated coach – Good luck
_____
As a young player just coming into the team, I wasn’t sure about him at first. However, after a run of games something seemed to click and he started to look like a great player. Was brilliant in the match against Barcelona, along with young Marshall. A real Celt from a real Celtic family. Will be interesting to see what happens next. Hope he does well.
A bloody third attempt in the absence of an edit facility.
“As we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don’t know we don’t know.”
Then almost by accident and from the same page above taken from I found this:
Rumsfeld also mentioned Socrates:
“Some with an interest in philosophy have made note of a line attributed to Socrates:
‘I neither know nor think that I know.’
This has been interpreted to mean that THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM IS THE REALISATION OF HOW LITTLE ONE TRULY KNOWS”
>Anyone who realises that all that the think they know is based more on what they do not know than what they do know, takes as much care as possible to be more certain of what they say and even then remain open to the possibility that there are still unknowns out there.
That keeps the mind open to the possibility that for all our convictions we might still be wrong and so be prepared to change our minds.That was weeks ago so has something changed since? We do not know. Meaning what? The Principal Shareholder leaked to the Sun or was responsible for the leak? We don’t know. We do not know why large sums are being held but I, hope answers are given at the AGM. In the absence of knowing ,the gap is filled by what each individual thinks they know. Ignorance of the full economic and financial rules Celtic must observe plays a partTrust left the room a long time ago and in its absence nothing means anything but the meaning given to it by each of us. Thus division is created.The Principal Shareholder has stated what he thinks to be true and appears to be angry and ( a meaning I am giving) is that is he might have felt a sense of betrayal by BR, but I just don’t know. So no judgement. In general terms once we accept we know sfa in terms of all there is to know, judgements carry less certainty of individuals either at Celtic or on blogs and in those circumstances greater harmony becomes possible.
” Michael Nicholson, Chris McKay and the rest of the board have shown they lack the strength or independence to stand up to Dermot Desmond. They are incapable of developing and executing a strategy that will allow Celtic to reach its potential and have repeatedly let down both the manager and the supporters”
> Alternatively, and my hobby horse, it is not solely down to personalities, but processes and failings in them. Hence my question to Comp Sec about Purpose/Vision/Strategy/Policy/Indicators-(measurement. Lions Roar this is not a personal dig because as individuals with limited knowledge based on past individual experience, we all judge to one degree or another, but the more we realise how little we know the more room reality has to occupy and it has to be better than what is currently being experienced..
Standing back, a Martian on observing human behaviour ,might say The Celtic Board and the Celtic Support have created the reality that now occupies our minds in a very negative way.
Once that is realised real change becomes possible.
Speaking of potential legalities …
Anyone on here ever been threatened with legal action by Celtic?
Just wondering how it might impact someone.
E.g. After it ended, would there be an enduring sense of bitterness towards the organisation making the threat?
The missing bit (I hope)
I hope The Lion’s Roar forgives me for using a comment of his to make my point. We all do it but this got my attention:
” but we do know the following to be true:
1. Only weeks ago, the Chief Executive assured the Celtic Fans Collective that “the Club did not accept there is a disconnect between the board and the manager”, which has now been directly contradicted by the Principal Shareholder in a statement hosted on the Club’s official platform. ”
>That was weeks ago so has something changed since? We do not know. <
Looking forward to the game tonight like when you turned up and said your to your mate under the floodlights “ Look at how green that grass is “
the Bada Bing on 29th October 2025 1:47 pm
Still the same
“For any of you EK boys going to the game tomorrow, Farmeloan Rd at Chapman’s pub is closed one way going towards Celtic Park, diversion takes you out toward Cambuslang Rd.”
Wasn’t closed there about 15mins ago, por cierto
Can sort of understand John Kennedy leaving but don’t quite understand why the other back room team would leave a secure and well paid job ?….if sacked , why ?
Back to Basics – Glass Half Full on 29th October 2025 1:54 pm
Speaking of potential legalities …
Anyone on here ever been threatened with legal action by Celtic?
Just wondering how it might impact someone.
E.g. After it ended, would there be an enduring sense of bitterness towards the organisation making the threat?
==============
Aye. ME.
A resolution developed during Covid naming names was rejected on basis of defamation of character.
There was evidence to back up the points made but without the funds to take the risk an alternative was found.