Does Martin O'Neill want to stay? And can club afford to let him go?

Martin O'Neill initially stepped in as Celtic's manager for a brief tenure, an emergency situation requiring immediate action. However, he unexpectedly extended his role, leading the club through nearly two-thirds of the season with significant success.

Now, at 74, he concludes his interim management with a remarkable Premiership and Scottish Cup double, achievements that resonate throughout the club's history, particularly under the challenging circumstances faced.

This unique situation prompts two critical questions: Can Celtic truly afford to part ways with O'Neill? And does he himself desire to remain in the position?

"If the season was to start tomorrow, I couldn't do it," O'Neill conveyed to BBC Sport Scotland shortly after the 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden.

"However, the season doesn’t start tomorrow. It does commence soon, and I am getting older. I've gained substantial experience over the past few months. Some of the tactics were quite perplexing, yet it's beneficial at my stage in life.

"In the following week, I will engage in discussions with the owner. He hasn't communicated anything to me yet—I’m uncertain if that’s indicative of good or bad news. I will consider my options, but I suspect the club might prefer someone younger.

"While it's nice to contemplate the prospect of doing this again, I genuinely do not know if I could manage it on a daily basis. I can joke about it, but I sincerely don’t know.

"I believe I should be in consideration for the role, albeit perhaps only for a brief while. Even then, I doubt I could undertake a long-term project. My daughters support the idea, but my wife may not feel the same way."

'I can see him coming back' - what the players said

The conversations between O'Neill and Dermot Desmond are likely to be quite revealing.

Before those discussions, it may be beneficial for the majority shareholder to solicit opinions from the players, who voiced a unified perspective following their cup final triumph.

"Everyone here knows how much we appreciate him. He has earned the right to take a couple of weeks to think it over," remarked right-back Alistair Johnston. "He's got the energy for it; I can definitely see him returning."

Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo echoed these sentiments, stating, "What he has done for the group in terms of instilling confidence and belief is unparalleled. We all admire him and are grateful for his leadership."

Captain Callum McGregor added, "Martin O'Neill has been outstanding, supported by exceptional staff. I am certain he will remain involved in some manner. He has propelled this team forward, and he deserves to enjoy his summer."

The unlikely return

The series of events leading to O'Neill's unexpected return to the managerial position is noteworthy, given the turbulence throughout the Scottish football season.

On an October day, while in a coffee shop on King's Road in London, O'Neill received a call from Desmond. Brendan Rodgers had just resigned, and Desmond asked if O'Neill could temporarily oversee the team as they sought a permanent replacement, offering him a mere ten minutes to decide.

It is understandable that O'Neill could not decline. At 73, he was already a beloved figure among Celtic supporters from his previous tenure, which featured a roster of stars, including Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton.

However, this time, the challenges were substantial. The club faced a significant decline in player quality and internal unrest. There was notable fan dissent, ineffective recruitment strategies, and strong competition from a rejuvenated Hearts side.

Despite these challenges, O'Neill felt compelled to answer Celtic's call. Following a series of back-to-back domestic defeats at the end of Rodgers' tenure, he managed an impressive run, including five league victories and a League Cup semi-final success over Rangers.

Unfortunately, after a brief period, the club opted to thank O'Neill for his services and appointed Wilfried Nancy in December.

By January, O'Neill found himself returning to navigate a chaotic transfer market while attempting to stabilize a faltering league campaign. At that point, Celtic was tied with Rangers but six points adrift of Hearts.

O'Neill's adept management was pivotal in avoiding an early exit from the Scottish Cup against Dundee, with Junior Adamu’s late equalizer ultimately paving the way for a cherished Hampden success.

While the cup triumph is significant, the greater accomplishment was securing the league title, achieved with a commendable win rate exceeding 80 percent. O'Neill's Premiership statistics reflect this success: 23 matches played, with 19 wins, two draws, and just two losses.

Such a record is commendable by any measurement. In a season marked by uncertainty and disruption, it is a feat of considerable magnitude.

Many now consider this Celtic squad to be past its prime, yet O'Neill's exceptional man-management skills enabled them to secure two major trophies when success appeared elusive.

But does O'Neill have the energy?

This situation leaves Celtic in a precarious position: is it feasible for the club to allow O'Neill to leave if he feels he has the stamina and motivation to continue?

This sentiment is echoed by numerous former players and managers, all of whom are highly impressed with O'Neill's accomplishments this season.

Former Ireland manager Stephen Kenny weighed in, stating unequivocally whether O'Neill should be given an opportunity to stay. "The answer is yes," he affirmed. "You can't surpass what he has accomplished. It’s an extraordinary achievement. If he wishes to continue, he should, and I see no reason for the club not to retain him."

Scott Brown, the club's former captain, understands the immense demands placed on a Celtic manager and shared his thoughts on O'Neill’s capability. "It ultimately depends on his energy levels," he noted. "He has discussed this before, and managing a team requires considerable energy, especially as he ages. Ultimately, the decision lies with Martin."

However, the decision may not rest entirely with him. The Celtic leadership must first determine the direction they wish to take and the individual they want to lead them onward.

Should they opt to extend the opportunity to O'Neill, it invites one final contemplation: with a chance at the Champions League now just a playoff tie away—and having answered Celtic's call three times previously—could O'Neill actually refuse a fourth and final opportunity?