MODERNITY POSTERITY

O'Neill risks tarnishing solid-gold reputation as novelty wears off

- HUGH KEEVINS

THE pretence is over for Celtic. What's it to be, sentimentality or practicality with regard to who manages the team going forward after a Europa League mauling in Denmark?

A ‘self-serving individual” was said to be behind the removal of Brendan Rodgers - but was that a description which fitted him or the club’ principal shareholder Dermot Desmond?

Nothing has been heard from Rodgers since the release of the statement which was meant to be severely damaging to his professional reputation.

Perhaps he’s having its content forensically examined for possible action before breaking his silence.

Less than two weeks before Celtics AGM, Desmond can't avoid becoming involved now in what happens next with reference to Martin O'Neill.

It was a great tale to begin with but the plot has thickened.

Last Monday began for me with a telephone call from BBC Northern Ireland.

Their “Good Morning Ulster” programme extended an invitation to speak about O'Neill in the aftermath of the Premier Sports Cup semifinal win over Rangers the day before.

It was proof of how a novel story travels far and wide in a short space of time.

And if you can locate somebody who would be classified as a geriatric on his medical records becoming a born-again football manager so much the better.

Martin has become Celtic's version of the John Lewis Christmas advert, where tugging at the heart strings is mandatory.

Picture the scene...

Old fellow turns up at the door of the family home not having been seen there for 20 years and the reaction is for everyone to well up and wallow in nostalgia.