“MOST LIKELY MY LAST” — Martin O’Neill Drops Emotional Celtic Exit Bombshell Before Massive Rangers Showdown

Celtic legend Martin O’Neill has delivered an emotional bombshell ahead of Sunday’s massive Glasgow derby after admitting that the clash against Rangers will “most likely” be his final Old Firm game in charge of the Hoops.

The statement has instantly sparked huge reaction among supporters, with many fans now preparing themselves for what could be the end of an unforgettable chapter at Celtic Park.

For weeks, speculation had continued over O’Neill’s future. Despite rumours suggesting the Irishman could remain in charge beyond the summer due to the positive atmosphere building around the club again, the Celtic boss now appears to have made his intentions crystal clear.

“I would say most likely [Sunday’s derby will be my last],” O’Neill admitted ahead of the showdown.

Those words alone have completely changed the mood ahead of the derby. What was already one of the biggest matches of the season has now become an emotional occasion that could mark the final Old Firm appearance of one of Celtic’s most iconic managers.

A Derby With Everything On The Line

Sunday’s clash is not just about pride. It could define Celtic’s entire season.

The Hoops remain locked in a tense Premiership title race, and only a victory against Rangers will keep their hopes fully alive heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

Anything less than three points could leave Celtic facing a devastating collapse, while Rangers know this may be their final chance to put pressure on their rivals despite recent setbacks.

Rangers arrive wounded after their damaging defeat to Hearts, but O’Neill insists that means absolutely nothing once the Old Firm atmosphere takes over.

“You would have to say it’s out of Rangers’ hands. That’s the only thing that’s changed.”

“That’s not to say that you would rule them out. But at this minute, with games running out, it’s out of their hands.”

Despite Rangers struggling, O’Neill believes Celtic must prepare for the strongest possible reaction from their bitter rivals.

“It’s a derby game, so regardless of what the result was before, I think it’ll be a strong Rangers side and a big reaction, so we’ve got to be ready for that.”

“The place will be rocking, there seems a bit of unison within the club at the moment, which is good news. The players have fed on that, so it’ll be strong.”

O’Neill Opens Up On Celtic’s Transformation

One of the biggest talking points from O’Neill’s press conference was his brutally honest assessment of the atmosphere around the club when he first returned to the dugout.

The Celtic boss admitted there had been tension and frustration around the club earlier in the campaign, with supporters divided and uncertainty surrounding the direction of the team.

However, O’Neill now believes the unity between the fans, players and coaching staff has completely transformed Celtic in recent weeks.

“I probably played it down, maybe I wasn’t sure when I came in here first of all.”

“There was a bit of ill-feeling at the time, and there didn’t seem a united football club.”

“I wasn’t sure if it affected the likes of Maeda and Hatate and things like that.”

He then praised the supporters for helping create the incredible atmosphere that has inspired the squad during the title run-in.

“There’s no doubt about it, the crowd in full voice cheering the team on, even allowing for mistakes, has been very positive and I think it’s rubbed off on the players.”

Those comments are likely to strike a chord with supporters who have watched the mood around Celtic Park dramatically improve over recent weeks.

Jens Berthel Askou Emerging As Favourite

With O’Neill now appearing to confirm his departure, attention has immediately shifted toward who could take over at Celtic next season.

One name that continues to gather serious momentum is Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou.

The Danish coach has earned huge praise this season for the work he has done at Fir Park, with many inside Scottish football believing he has the tactical intelligence and personality required to succeed at a club the size of Celtic.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Askou is extremely interested in taking the Celtic job if the opportunity officially becomes available.

Ironically, he could also play a major role in Celtic’s title hopes before potentially arriving at Parkhead.

Motherwell face Hearts this weekend, and if Askou’s side can steal points from the Jambos, it could hand Celtic a massive advantage in the title race heading into the final day.

Still, football changes quickly. Although Askou currently appears to be the leading candidate, names such as Robbie Keane continue to circulate, while another surprise option could emerge before the summer begins.

An Emotional Farewell Could Be Coming

For now, though, all focus remains on Sunday’s explosive derby.

If this truly is Martin O’Neill’s final Glasgow derby, Celtic supporters will be desperate to give him the perfect send-off by defeating Rangers in front of a packed and emotional Celtic Park crowd.

The atmosphere promises to be unforgettable, the stakes could not be higher, and the emotion surrounding O’Neill’s future has added another dramatic layer to an already historic rivalry.

One thing is now certain — this is no longer just another Old Firm game.

It could be the final chapter of Martin O’Neill’s legendary Celtic story.