Martin O'Neill told to force Celtic into sack decision if form worsens
Martin O'Neill has been told to be sure to collect his cheque if Celtic decide to sack him this season.
The Bhoys lack quality within their squad, and that is largely down to poor recruitment from the board during the summer. But O'Neill has struggled to find the means to paper over such cracks, and it has particularly shown in Europe.
Celtic remain top in the Premiership, but with league dominance having become a given, that's no longer enough for many fans.
There is no suggestion that Celtic are actually considering sacking O'Neill at this juncture, but fans and pundits have discussed his future plenty over the last week.
There are also fresh questions over whether O'Neill could walk away himself having previously suggested he would do so if he deemed it to be in the best interest of the club.
“The thing about Martin O’Neill walking away for me is, if it was me and I was Martin O’Neill, I would want rewarded for my work last year,” former Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew said on the Go Radio Football Show.
“So I would want my pay up and the money that’s left in my contract to be paid to me. I can’t speak for Martin O’Neill, but whether he walks away or not, I don’t know.
“But if I was him, I wouldn’t walk away. I’d wait to get my money and be rewarded. But whether he wants to keep his legacy and leave while he’s top of the league remains to be seen. Who knows?”
In reality, O'Neill wouldn't be due a huge severance cheque due to the fact he only has a contract until the end of the season. But at 74 years of age, this is likely his last job in football, so it could be wise to add some extra family wealth to pass on to the grandkids and so on.
For now, O'Neill appears to be fully focused on the task ahead, already well aware that his side are likely heading out of Europe, while he will rightly believe in his side's chances to win the Premiership, which they currently lead.
If he can manage that, he will potentially walk away after lifting a trophy, and that would be a much more fitting end to his Celtic and managerial career,
