Chris Sutton Issues Celtic Warning to Board and Nancy

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has called on the club’s hierarchy and incoming manager Wilfried Nancy to take heed of Martin O’Neill’s parting words as the veteran prepares to step down from his interim role.

O’Neill, who took charge following Brendan Rodgers’ exit, has overseen a remarkable short-term turnaround at Parkhead. Under his guidance, Celtic have strung together three consecutive league wins, booked a place in a domestic cup final, and claimed an impressive European victory away at Feyenoord — results that have reignited belief among supporters.

However, with O’Neill set to bow out after Sunday’s clash with Hibernian, attention is turning to Nancy, who is expected to be officially confirmed as Celtic’s new permanent manager shortly after the final whistle.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Chris Sutton praised O’Neill’s impact and urged the club’s new leadership team to make use of his insight.

“O’Neill was talking the other night about being available to offer his opinions to the new manager rather than advice,” Sutton said. “Nancy will have his own ideas, but he’d be foolish not to take him up on his offer.”

Chris Sutton acknowledged that the incoming boss faces a unique challenge — inheriting a team in good form but also stepping into the shadow of a beloved figure.

“It’s a slightly strange situation,” Sutton added. “There’s been a real upturn in form and a great feel-good factor around the squad. But O’Neill could cast a bit of a shadow over the new man, given there’s a lot of fans who would have been more than happy to see him stay, at least until after the Cup Final.”

Despite Celtic’s recent resurgence, Sutton echoed O’Neill’s honest assessment that the team remains a few signings short of the level required to compete on all fronts.

He continued: “For all the optimism O’Neill has brought back, there have been words of caution too. His pre-match interview really struck a chord with me — when he said Celtic need to invest in signings in January. The board might not always want to hear it, but they’d be daft not to listen to one of the greatest managers in the club’s history.”

As Celtic prepare for O’Neill’s farewell game at Parkhead, Chris Sutton believes his influence should not fade once he departs. “Yes, the side has got back on track, but the same problems remain,” he warned. “The squad is still light in key areas, and reinforcements are a must — especially if players move on.”

O’Neill’s final act may be from the dugout against Hibs — but his advice could shape Celtic’s direction for months to come.