Martin O’Neill has now tasted his first defeat since returning as Celtic boss.
The opening two matches were all rosy, but given the troubles Celtic have had this season, it was only a matter of time before they were brought back down to earth.
That happened in Denmark, as Celtic were well-beaten by FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, and O’Neill was pretty frosty in his post-match interview.
While the modern-day manager might tell a few white lies, sit on the fence or provide media-trained answers.
O’Neill is going to be straight to the point, as Alan Brazil discussed the Celtic hero and Dermot Desmond on the radio on Friday morning.
Photo by BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty ImagesMartin O’Neill and Dermot Desmond’s relationship
One of the things O’Neill said in his post-match interview, regarding his future, is that ‘I just want to be told when my time is up.’
That was relayed to Brazil on talkSPORT, but he thinks the Celtic manager ‘knows exactly what’s going on’, because of his strong relationship with Desmond.
Shebahn Aherne: “Martin O’Neill, after the defeat, 3-1 to FC Midtjylland, was asked by the reporter. She said, ‘Are you having discussions with the board about how long you are going to be there?’
He said, ‘No, I just want to be told when my time is up,’”
Brazil: “Dermot’s his mate. Mr Desmond and Martin are buddies. So, he knows exactly what’s going on, Martin.”
Aherne: “Do you think if Martin stays, and he can’t turn it around at Celtic. Or they can’t go on to win the league, it would tarnish his legacy at the club?”
Brazil: “No, no. I don’t think so. People love Martin.”
Not many saw O’Neill’s return as a long-term appointment. What’s more realistic is staying until the League Cup final, or until the end of the season.
But whatever happens, former Wales striker Dean Saunders thinks a position higher up at Celtic is probably where O’Neill should go next.
Dean Saunders: “They should make him director of football at Celtic. Helping the manager.”
Brazil: “Yeah, yeah. I would go with that.”
Saunders: “Stop you from making stupid mistakes. He knows the league. He knows the fans. He knows how far they go, and how much money they have got.
“They haven’t got much money. Brentford have got more money than Celtic and Rangers.”