Sutton said Martin O’Neill should quit before Celtic beat Besiktas. Now there’s “maybe a glimmer”

The 74 year old has been under heavy scrutiny recently after a poor run of results, although last night’s 3-2 win over Besiktas has eased that pressure.

The Celtic manager joined senior members of the Celtic Board, including ‘Chairman’ Brian Wilson, CEO Michael Nicholson and CFO Chris McKay at a Q&A down at the Greenock CSC on Monday night. From information later posted on social media by supporters attending the meeting it seems that Martin is NOT planning to leave and is looking forward to the January transfer window opening, while the Celtic Board is NOT discounting O’Neill continuing for another season as there is an option in place to cover that eventuality.

Sutton admitted that Celtic’s shock defeat at Falkirk came as no surprise to him, and says the side haven’t been firing on all cylinders this season, particularly in Europe which he described as a disaster. Last night though was far from being a disaster as Celtic at last found their feet in the Europa League campaign.

The former Blackburn and Chelsea man also spoke of his sadness for the man who brought him to Glasgow in the summer of 2000 in a £6 million deal, as he believes things are turning ‘ugly’ for the veteran Irishman, and thinks the best thing he can do is to walk away.

Sutton was talking before last night’s brilliant win over Besiktas, but you can only imagine he still feels the same as one game will hardly change his mind.

“The defeat at Falkirk was no surprise to me,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Domestically Celtic haven’t played particularly well all season, Europe has been a disaster. They’re 35th in the Europa League standings, only a team from Armenia (FC Ararat-Armenia) is below them.

“The pressure is really on. I’m just sad for Martin O’Neill where it’s all turning a bit ugly. Yes, I would (like him to walk away). I think that would have been the right decision, but Martin feels he can do the job.

“The fans will always love Martin for what he has achieved at the club, but a lot of fans do not like the way the team are playing. There’s a debate in every area of the team about who should be playing. Celtic are a mess at this moment in time.”

Celtic moved up a few places in the Europa League after last night’s dramatic second half saw Celtic edging it against a decent Turkish side who probably had the best of a dull first half.

The fireworks started after the break and for Celtic after Martin O’Neill looking to his bench to introduce Callum Osmand – who scored with his first touch and Camilo Duran who grabbed a dramatic double, the first from a brilliant assist for Osmand.

Looking at the Europa League standings this morning, you’ll notice that of the three sides with a maximum 12 points at this stage, two are Benfica and Ferencvaros who have played and beaten Celtic, while Besiktas remain in the top eight despite losing 3-2 at Celtic Park last night.

Celtic will be looking to get three points in the Scottish Premiership this Sunday afternoon and perhaps St Mirren can get a result at home to the Rangers tomorrow evening. That will send Martin O’Neill into the international break in much better spirits than the last time.

One concern that is worth noting is that Martin had the stresses of the match at Falkirk on Sunday, attended training them went to Greenock on Monday night, had a trip to Dingwall of all places after that to watch the B Team in action before taking the team last night in a high pressure European match.

He needs to watch that be doesn’t burn himself out and should be using his coaching staff to fulfil some of these tasks, most notably scouting trips.

Reacting to last night’s brilliant Celtic victory, Chris Sutton gave his thoughts via his X social media account, stating:

“Credit where credit is due. Lots of pressure on the team going into this game. Far from perfect but not an easy place to play in the current climate. Good use of the bench (should have started Osmand and Duran) and a much better second half performance. Maybe a glimmer…” the former Celtic striker stated.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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