Michael Nicholson addresses Celtic 'turmoil' in statement as one man backed to change Hoops' fortunes

Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson has back manager Martin O’Neill to change their fortunes following a period of ‘turmoil’ at the club.

As the first international break of the season commences, O’Neill claimed he will take the opportunity to ‘reflect’ on his future over this period. The 74-year old has been under pressure after Celtic lost back-to-back domestic Old Firm fixtures against Rangers. Things haven’t been much better on the European front, as the wounds from Celtic’s Champions League play-off defeat to LASK Linz haven’t fully healed and a losing start in the Europa League to Ferencvaros caused further frustrations in the stands.

As the Hoops boss reflects on his own future, the break also allows the Hoops board to establish their plan of attack for the rest of the season. Chairman Dermot Desmond, along with Nicholson remain the subject of protests at Parkhead every week from supporters who believe the club has been mismanaged. The CEO has now broken his silence on what he described as ‘turmoil’ at Celtic, but in a statement, he offered O’Neill his full backing, while apologising to supporters for their recent failings.

Nicholson statement on Celtic ‘turmoil’

His statement read: "We were delighted to end season 2025/26 on a high, winning the Scottish Premiership on the final day of the season and adding the Scottish Cup and Women’s Scottish Cup in the weeks following, but last season was a challenging one for the Club, both on and off the pitch.

"Following a period of stability, which has borne fruit in terms of success and growth over recent years, we experienced turmoil which affected the Club’s performance. We will address and learn from the challenges faced and mistakes made. The final weeks of the Premiership season; the final match at Celtic Park; the Scottish Cup final; these will live long in the memory for Celtic fans, whose support was a decisive factor.

"I thank Callum McGregor and all of the players and staff for their hard work and determination throughout the season that made the success possible. As the Chairman has noted, the environment was unstable, following Brendan Rodgers’ resignation and our decision to move on from Wilfried Nancy.

Why has Nicholson chosen to stand by O’Neill?

"We owe a debt of gratitude to Martin O’Neill and his management team, who stepped up for Celtic, twice, and who guided the team to success. We were therefore delighted that Martin agreed to lead the Club again this season and we have worked with Martin and his team over the summer transfer window to invest in the squad.

"Having started well in the Premiership this season, we experienced disappointment in the UEFA Champions League play-off. Reaching the league phase of the Champions League is an objective for us all, and we are sorry not to have achieved it. On top of that, the losses in the last week have been painful for us all. We will now come together and support Martin and the players, as we focus our efforts on achieving success domestically and in the Europa League.

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