Celtic win Scottish Premiership title: Martin O'Neill keeps door open to stay on at Parkhead - 'I am rejuvenated'
Martin O'Neill's Celtic beat Hearts 3-1 on the final day of the Scottish Premiership campaign to win fifth consecutive title; 74-year-old O'Neill says he feels "rejuvenated" and that the club have given him life again
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:54, UK
Martin O'Neill has kept the door open to staying on at Celtic after delivering a dramatic Scottish Premiership title, saying the club has given him life again.
O'Neill came out of retirement twice to help turn Celtic's fortunes around this campaign, firstly stepping in following the departure of Brendan Rodgers and then after following Wilfried Nancy's disastrous 33 days in charge.
The 74-year-old could yet deliver the double with a Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline on May 23 where questions will again be asked of his long-term plans.
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In the aftermath of Celtic's 3-1 triumph over Hearts at Parkhead, O'Neill spoke of his gratitude at the club making his feel "rejuvenated".
"The players and coaching staff have given me a reason to live! That's not to say my family haven't! But this is the most special place on earth," O'Neill said.
"When there is unison in this stadium it is a sight to behold and obviously the players have been magnificent, optimised by the captain but we could not have won it without the supporters.
"I'm a bit part in proceedings. The coaching staff have been magnificent, but you have to have a response to that. I just think the players see me every day and they think 'he's a terribly old man and what is he doing here!'
"But they have given me a rejuvenation, seriously, I am rejuvenated. Away back in October, I was just having a coffee on the King's Road down in London, enjoying retirement, although never really enjoying retirement, and I get a call to come back and then I get a call again in January.
"Obviously I thought the days here of me lifting a trophy in front of these fans at Celtic Park was well and truly gone.
"I don't know about next season. It does take its toll."
'O'Neill's biggest success in management'
Sky Sports' Chris Sutton won three titles during O'Neill's first spell in Glasgow, but believes this one tops them all.
"It's all about Martin O'Neill, magic Martin. How he has turned this around, I couldn't tell you.
"Celtic have stuttered and spluttered this season but Martin has got the old Honda Civic roaring again. When it mattered, a magnificent seven wins on the trot to take Celtic over the line.
"You wouldn't be human if you didn't sympathise with Hearts, they have had a magnificent season. They have been top and held their own all the way.
"This may be Martin O'Neill's biggest ever success in management."
Sky Sports' James McFadden added: "It is unbelievable what Martin O'Neill has achieved this season.
"To come in in the first instance and steady the ship, the club was a mess. He was in for a short time and he managed to turn it around leave them in a good position.
"To turn it around and turn Celtic into a team that is lifting another Premiership title is quite incredible. We've spoken about legends at this club but you can't understate what this man has done today.
"He was written off, even in the interim period. He has shown he can come in and get the best out of what is available to him. It hasn't been vintage football but it is winning football."
'Build him a statue'
Some of the current Celtic players were not born the first time O'Neill was leading Celtic to silverware, but they are full of gratitude to the man who delivered their 14th title in the last 15 seasons.
Defender Alistair Johnston returned from injury for the title run-in and told Sky Sports it will take a while to sink in.
"There are no words to describe it. What in the world was that, it's the best feeling ever when you realise you have an empty goal and you are running it in.
"It is the greatest league win of all time and we have won a lot of leagues here. There is something about this club.
"Martin O'Neill is a winner. You've got to build him a statue. He just finds a way to win and it has been unbelievable playing for him this year and I'm just so happy we are able to give him this and then we have a cup final to go for in a week."
