I’m just keeping Celtic seat warm – O’Neill

Martin O’Neill claims to be keeping the temperature “warm” for a permanent Celtic manager and that he had to “pull myself up off the floor” when asked to take over.

O’Neill, who left Celtic Park 20 years ago after a glittering tenure, will succeed Rodgers in his shock resignation on Monday.

Major shareholder Dermot Desmond, who called Rodgers’ actions while in charge “divisive, misleading, and self-serving,” to follow that exit.

The 73-year-old, whose first game will be at home to Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday, told TalkSport, “I took a gasp of breath and asked if this was real.”

O’Neill left as Republic of Ireland manager the following year after a brief spell there that ended.

Few managers in Celtic’s history are held in higher regard than his, and his tenure at Celtic was renowned for the club’s supporters.

He led Celtic to the Uefa Cup final and three league titles, three Scottish Cups, three Scottish League Cups, and three Scottish League titles.

“It’s short-term,” he says. The news Brendan left probably shook the Celtic. It’s a short-term fit because they are obviously looking for a permanent manager, according to O’Neill, who has hired Shaun Maloney to help him.

Interim refers to interim. It’s really that easy. I’m guessing Celtic are searching for a young coach with proven ability. Right now, we want to advance the club.

I had a wonderful time at Celtic, which was a privilege, I must admit. It’s short-term until a permanent manager is chosen, I can’t stress that enough. Simply put, I’ll keep the seat warm.

Henrik Larsson, a star striker at Celtic, might I just call him and inquire whether he has been using the gym.

After falling 3-1 at Tynecastle on Sunday, the Scottish Premiership champions are eight points behind Heart of Midlothian, who are now pacemakers, in the standings.

A lackluster European campaign and a lacklustre transfer window are also present for Celtic.

Rodgers’ claim that he was not formally offered a contract extension was refuted in an astonishing letter to fans, which also criticised his “desire for self-preservation at the expense of others” was challenged by Desmond.

He was actually given the upper hand in all football decisions, and he was consistently supported throughout the hiring process, including his own record of investment in players he had identified and approved.

Regrettably, his words and deeds have been conflicting, deceptive, and self-serving since then. They have created a toxic environment in the club and fueled hostility toward the board and executive team.

“One person’s desire for self-preservation at the expense of others is what has recently failed,” according to one quote from the statement “not our structure or model.”