Callum McGregor would have been a little child when Martin O’Neill wrote his Celtic tale.
Celtic supporters are accustomed to winning title after title and trophy after trophy right now. However, the dominating period began with O’Neill after the turn of the century.
Fast forward to the present, and McGregor is a member of Celtic’s Europa League team that defeated Feyenoord on Thursday night, in what will be O’Neill’s final European game in charge.
Everyone is clear that Wilfried Nancy is set to take over, but what about O’Neill sticking on in another capacity?
Callum McGregor on Martin O’Neill remaining at Celtic
When Brendan Rodgers quit as Celtic manager last month, there were dark clouds over the club, and things were not going well on or off the pitch.
Yes, there are still issues off the field, but O’Neill has changed the tone inside the club, with McGregor describing the renowned coach as ‘amazing’ following the win in Rotterdam.
When asked about O’Neill’s stay on TNT Sports, the Celtic captain stated unequivocally that he and the players had ‘enjoyed’ working alongside him.
“It kind of sums it up in Europe for him, doesn’t it?” McGregor responded to O’Neill’s decision to retire in this manner.
“Outstanding. To have the motivation and appetite to come in and accomplish the job at this age. He’s been fantastic. He has significantly improved the club’s fortunes. Players have responded quite nicely. He has also responded favorably to it.
“Like you mentioned, if that’s the final one, that kind of wraps up his European tour. Absolutely excellent.
McGregor on O’Neill staying: “It’s probably not a question for me.” We’ve truly loved working with him. Clearly, he is a legend at the club. Coming in and working with him firsthand has been incredible.
“As I said, probably not a question for me, but I think he will need a wee rest after this.”
O’Neill’s record as Celtic manager during his second tenure
The final game of O’Neill’s storied Celtic career will be against Hibernian on Sunday at Easter Road.
Whatever happens after the full-time whistle, he will undoubtedly receive a hearty send-off from the supporters.
However, the fact that O’Neill has helped Celtic win their first European away game in 1,484 days exemplifies the excitement and enthusiasm he has brought to his second tenure as manager.
Games: six.
Results: 5 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss.
Goals scored: sixteen.
Goals conceded: five.
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