{
  "id": 13153498,
  "title": "Decision to stay at Celtic did not take long - O'Neill",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/decision-to-stay-at-celtic-did-not-take-long-oneill",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T16:04:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport Football",
    "slug": "bbc-sport-football",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cm89z77egpw5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Martin O'Neill, now 74, has maintained that his decision to remain as manager of Celtic was not a difficult one, despite a three-game losing streak. After two interim spells last season ended with a league and Scottish Cup double, O'Neill considered stepping down following two defeats by Rangers and a 3-1 home loss to Ferencvaros in the Europa League. However, he emphasized that the decision didn't take long, as he prepared for the upcoming Premiership match against Motherwell. O'Neill expressed his disappointment with the week, but stated that as long as the football club wanted him, he was happy to continue. He also mentioned that the international break offered him a chance to reflect, but would likely have led him to stay even without it. O'Neill highlighted his previous success at Celtic and his enthusiasm for the role, emphasizing his determination to lead the team towards winning the league.",
  "summary": "Martin O'Neill suggests he was never close to leaving Celtic after a three-game losing streak, with the veteran manager stressing his \"great enthusiasm\" for the role.",
  "key_points": [
    "O'Neill's decision to stay at Celtic was not difficult.",
    "He considered stepping down after two recent losses.",
    "International break helped him reflect on his future."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Decision to stay at Celtic did not take long - O'Neill",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/decision-to-stay-at-celtic-did-not-take-long-oneill-13167760",
        "published": "2026-10-09T16:04:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}