O’Neill’s bombshell arrival hauled Celtic out of one hole. But some could argue his fond farewell – and timing of it – puts a bit of pressure the man coming behind him.
The veteran boss arrived in Glasgow claiming he had no claims on taking the job permanently. Whether secretly he harboured ambitions to the contrary we will never know.
But there was a steady warming from some fans that O’Neill, who has proven the safest of safe hands, should stick about for longer. At the very least, be given the chance to lead Celtic out against St Mirren in the League Cup final a week on Sunday.
Instead, Nancy will come in faced with a run of fixtures which will require him to hit the ground running like an Olympic sprinter.
On Sunday, leaders Hearts come to Celtic. That is followed by Serie A giants Roma coming to Glasgow on Thursday. Then that final at Hampden.
Celtic could finish that hat-trick of games top of the league, heading towards the Europa League knockouts, and with a trophy in the cabinet.
Or, they may not.
For any new manager coming in, it’s a colossal baptism of fire to try and navigate your way through. O’Neill remaining in post may have alleviated that instant pressure, but faith has been put in his replacement.
Celtic’s season has been righted, and O’Neill will leave with his heralded legacy intact, and if anything, improved. It’s a tough act for Nancy to follow.
The club legend leaves behind a Celtic team with a renewed identity. He leaves behind a support with renewed belief. He leaves behind a high bar.
He does not leave behind a tracksuit.
