O'Neill 'happy' with Celtic position

Jon West
Wednesday 07 May 2003 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Martin O'Neill, the Celtic manager, says he has not signed the new contract he agreed in January. However, he insisted it was "not a major issue", but the admission is likely to resurrect speculation that he could leave the club in the near future.

O'Neill has guided Celtic into their first European final for 33 years and, following Rangers' surprise draw with Dundee on Sunday, his team also stand a good chance of retaining the Scottish Premier League trophy they have won for the past two seasons. Celtic could even go top tonight if they win their game in hand, against Motherwell, by four goals. The Northern Irishman's stock has never been higher as he moves into an élite bracket of managerial high achievers.

Leeds, who have still to appoint a long-term successor to Terry Venables, have twice tried to lure him to Elland Road and O'Neill has already been touted as a successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. But O'Neill insisted the fact his signature was still missing from the 12-month rolling deal announced earlier in the season was not significant.

O'Neill, who will join Jock Stein as one of the club's greatest managers if they beat Porto in the Uefa Cup final in Seville on 21 May, said: "I don't think that is a major issue. We came to an agreement in January and I'm happy to go along with that. At Leicester I agreed a new contract and got round to signing it nine months later. In essence the thing was there. I'm happy to run my particular affairs on a handshake.

"It is not actually signed but I'm not going to get into too much of a panic. I have made an agreement with the board and I feel no reason to change that."

The Celtic defender Bobo Baldé has attempted to play down reports that Roma are interested in signing him. The centre-back was chosen ahead of Henrik Larsson to become the club's player of the year and was voted the SPL's player of the month for April.

Baldé has been consistent in both domestic and European competitions and it is no surprise that other clubs had put him under scrutiny. But he insisted the only thing on his mind was beating Motherwell tonight. He said: "I am happy here. It has been a good season but it is not finished yet. At the moment we are second and we are in the Uefa Cup final, but we have not won anything at the moment."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in