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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Ryan McGinlay

Martin O'Neill makes 'better headspace' admission, opens up on Celtic contract

(Image: Mark Runnacles / Shutterstock)

New Celtic manager Martin O'Neill insists he's in a "better headspace", as he opened up on his permanent appointment.

On Thursday, the club announced the 74-year-old's return on a one-year-deal, with the option of a further 12 months, following his double-winning success in the 2025/26 season.

Speaking to Track Radio, when asked if he was up to the challenge, O'Neill responded, "Only time will tell, but I must admit I’m in a better headspace, if there is such a thing in this life as being in a better headspace.

"It’s [the contract is] another year of your life. Options, in general, don’t really mean a great deal. It means that all parties have to agree to it.


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"For instance, if things went really well and I was asking for another year, which is very, very unlikely, I must admit, if I took this length of time to think about this year, you can imagine what another year of your life will do.

"But if, for instance, I thought everything was going fine and wanted another year, then that’s up to the football club to make that decision. If they disagree, then it doesn't really matter.

"And vice versa; if things were going well and the club wanted you to stay on but you didn’t feel up to it, then it doesn’t really mean a great deal in those terms.

"I just think I can only deal with the immediacy of things as much as anything else, and what's just around the corner."

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