O’Neill quits Celtic official

By European Football
May 25 2005

Martin O'Neill has stepped down as Celtic boss and will be replaced by Gordon Strachan. There had been speculation that he would be stepping down over the last few days to look after his wife.

"It is with great reluctance that Celtic plc today announce that manager Martin O'Neill is leaving the club for family reasons after five years in charge," read a club statement.

"I am leaving Celtic purely for personal reasons and I am extremely sorry to be departing in such circumstances," said O'Neill.

"I would like to thank sincerely Dermot Desmond and the Celtic board for giving me the opportunity to manage this fantastic club five years ago.

"It has been an honour and privilege to have served the club and its supporters during that time and being part of Celtic history.

"My time at Celtic has been most rewarding and I have been privileged to have worked alongside a large number of very talented and committed people throughout the club.
"My special thanks to John Robertson and Steve Walford."

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn paid tribute to the role played by O'Neill at the club.
"Martin's contribution to Celtic has been quite immense," said Quinn.

"He has played a central role in the club's enormous success over the past five seasons and he goes with sincere best wishes from everyone associated with the club.
"Whilst it will come as a great disappointment that he is leaving, we fully respect the reasons behind his decision.

"He has continued working for the past 18 months despite great pressure and personal stress.

"I've said many times that people often underestimate the emotional attachment that Martin has for Celtic, and that strength of feeling is undoubtedly reciprocated by the fans, staff, players and the board.

"He had proved himself one of the great Celtic managers and his place in the history of the club is assured.

"He goes with our gratitude and best wishes."