Paul Lambert has backed Martin O’Neill to revive a component of calm at Celtic, though he has reservations in regards to the squad at his disposal.
O’Neill returned to Celtic Park on a caretaker foundation final evening following the resignation of Brendan Rodgers and his short-term job shall be create concord between a disgruntled fan base and a disgruntled board.
Lambert, who gained three Scottish Premiership titles beneath O’Neill and 4 general as a participant, is assured, although, that the 73-year-old is usually a unifying presence.
He instructed the BBC’s Scottish Soccer Podcast: “You’ll get the same old followers that’ll come out and say it’s nice he’s [Brendan Rodgers] away, and others that’ll say it’s disappointing.
“However the gaffer coming again in might be probably the most profitable supervisor, in most individuals’s eyes, since Jock Stein. O’Neill acquired the membership to a European remaining, he’s completed the treble in his first yr.
“The gaffer has gone to Celtic to assist them out, and the followers will suppose he can stroll on water. They thought he might when he was there earlier than.
“The one distinction is he doesn’t have the identical gamers, and that’s the primary half. That’s the instruments, and you’ll solely work with what you’ve acquired. But when there’s any man that may flip issues round and get them successful, get the group again on aspect, it’s him.”
Desmond blasts departing Rodgers
He has a tricky job on his fingers, on and off the pitch.
Celtic’s 3-1 defeat at Hearts on Sunday noticed the Hoops slip eight factors behind the table-topping Edinburgh aspect whereas Rodgers’ departure was accompanied by an astonishing assertion from the membership’s largest shareholder Dermot Desmond.
Desmond accused Rodgers of “divisive, deceptive and self-serving” feedback within the media and dismissed claims the Northern Irishman didn’t have full management over transfers.
He mentioned: “I have to categorical my deep disappointment on the means the previous a number of months have unfolded. Once we introduced Brendan again to Celtic two years in the past, it was completed with full belief and perception in his capability to guide the membership into a brand new period of sustained success. Sadly, his conduct and communication in latest months haven’t mirrored that belief.
“Each participant signed and each participant offered throughout his tenure was completed so with Brendan’s full data, approval, and endorsement. Any insinuation in any other case is totally false.
“Regrettably, his phrases and actions have been divisive, deceptive, and self-serving. They’ve contributed to a poisonous ambiance across the membership and fuelled hostility in direction of members of the chief crew and the board. A number of the abuse directed at them, and at their households, has been totally unwarranted and unacceptable.
“Each member of the board and government crew is deeply captivated with Celtic and acts always with professionalism, integrity, and a shared want for achievement. What has failed lately was not as a consequence of our construction or mannequin, however to 1 particular person’s want for self-preservation on the expense of others.”
One other former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is the bookmakers’ favorite to succeed Rodgers on a everlasting foundation however O’Neill and Shaun Maloney shall be in cost for tomorrow evening’s house recreation with Falkirk.