Chris Sutton hopes Celtic have a clear plan going forward after news emerged that Martin O'Neill is set to stay on as the club's manager.
As exclusively revealed by The Celtic Way on Friday, the 74-year-old has agreed a one-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, to take the permanent Parkhead reins after a successful interim stint last season.
O'Neill led Celtic to an unlikely domestic double despite swathes of off-pitch tumult.
On X, Sutton reacted to the news positively, but admitted concerns over various other aspects of the club, namely recruitment.
He wrote: "Good news Martin O’Neill is staying on as being reported but only if he has the same power as he had first time round as manager.
"Still so many other aspects need sorting... recruitment? Let’s hope we hear of a clear plan from now on going forward."
Good news Martin O’Neill is staying on as being reported but only if he has the same power as he had first time round as manager. Still so many other aspects need sorting… recruitment? …let’s hope we hear of a clear plan from now on going forward 🍀
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) June 5, 2026
Sutton's former Celtic teammate Stiliyan Petrov, who also played under O'Neill in the early 2000s, was surprised at the latest developments.
He told Sky Sports: "I’m actually surprised. I thought that Celtic would offer Martin a new, different role, more relaxed, but it seems like they love this way.
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“His skills and his ability to win major honours… he has obviously justified his appointment, and I hope and wish him all the best for next season.
“But I’m surprised, actually, that they haven’t offered him a different role, more relaxed — but Martin O’Neill is Martin O’Neill.
“But there is a question: can he win again next year? What’s going to happen?”
