Next Celtic Manager Odds

Celtic are arguably the most successful club in Scotland, with a slight edge in total major trophies (120 to 118) to rivals Rangers. They hold 53 Scottish League titles, 41 Scottish Cups, and the achievement of being the first British club to lift the European Cup back in 1967. With an enormous fanbase and huge expectations in the Scottish league & cups, the manager role at the club is not an easy job to take.

Current Celtic Manager

Martin O’Neill is the current Celtic manager after being confirmed in the role on a permanent basis following his remarkable success as interim boss during the 2025/26 season.

The 74-year-old returned to Parkhead in January 2026 after the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy, initially on a caretaker basis until the end of the campaign. Assisted by Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, O’Neill masterminded one of the most dramatic title wins in recent Scottish football history, guiding Celtic to the Scottish Premiership crown with a decisive final-day victory over Hearts before completing a domestic double by lifting the Scottish Cup.

Following talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond and the Celtic board, O’Neill agreed a one-year contract with the option of a further year. His appointment marks a second permanent spell in charge of the club, having previously enjoyed tremendous success at Celtic between 2000 and 2005.

Across his two interim spells during the 2025/26 campaign, O’Neill guided Celtic to 27 wins and four draws from 35 matches in all competitions. His return restored stability, belief and winning mentality at Parkhead, with his man-management skills and experience widely credited for Celtic’s resurgence.

Despite his age, O’Neill remains highly motivated and has already outlined his ambition to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window as Celtic look to defend their Premiership title and improve their performances in European competition.

Who Will Be the Next Celtic Manager?

With Martin O’Neill now confirmed as Celtic’s permanent manager, the club is no longer actively searching for a new head coach.

The Northern Irishman signed a one-year deal, with the option of a further year, after leading Celtic to a memorable Premiership and Scottish Cup double during his time as interim manager. His appointment brings continuity and stability following a turbulent season that saw both Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy leave the club.

As a result, the next Celtic manager betting market cooled significantly. O’Neill was ultimately viewed by the Celtic board as the outstanding candidate, with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond praising his proven track record, winning mentality and understanding of the club’s demands.

Of course, football management can be unpredictable, and bookmakers will continue to price up potential successors. However, after delivering a domestic double and earning the full backing of the Celtic hierarchy, Martin O’Neill appeared firmly established as the man tasked with leading Celtic into the 2026/27 season and beyond. After a poor start to the new season, speculation is mounting about who might take over. Here are the main candidates:

Robbie Keane

The Republic of Ireland’s record goalscorer is the frontrunner for the job. He has won titles in Israel and Hungary in recent years and was interviewed for the job before Celtic decided to stay with O’Neill for another season. Keane reportedly would have Celtic legend Scott Brown as part of his backroom team and is available, having left Ferencváros over the summer.

Roy Keane

While it’s a long shot as he hasn’t managed in 15 years following spells at Sunderland and Ipswich, he was later Martin O’Neill’s assistant with Ireland and Nottingham Forest. He’s spent most of his time in the intervening years as a pundit, although he’s regularly linked with Celtic jobs when they appear.

Shaun Maloney

This is the most sensible continuity option as he has been part of O’Neill’s backroom team and reportedly has a hands-on prerogative.

He has already been the main man at Wigan and Hibernian, as well as working as Roberto Martinez’s assistant with Belgium for several years. He made 150+ appearances for Celtic and would be the sensible interim option if O’Neill is relieved of his duties.

Thomas Frank

He’s the strangest name being linked to the role. He transformed Brentford when he took over in 2018 before leaving to go to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of last season. However, he only lasted until February 2026 after a dismal spell.

He has Premier experience and takes a data-driven approach. It’s unclear if he’d be willing to go to Scotland at this point of his career, as Frank will be carefully weighing up his next option.

List of Celtic Managers

Some big names have taken charge of Celtic football club over the years. A full list of past Celtic managers can be found below.