Copyright Yardbarker
Sutton, writing in his weekly Daily Record column, is clearly concerned about Martin O’Neill legacy at the club, something that Martin O’Neill actually dismissed yesterday afternoon in his media conference ahead of this match. Martin O’Neill was asked the following question: I don’t know if you’re aware Martin, of Chris Sutton’s comments last night? He was warning you almost to not stick around too much in case your legacy at the club is tarnished in any way by the results and whatnot. I just wonder your thoughts on that?’ Martin replied: “I’ve honestly no concern about a legacy, never have had. If you’re talking about a legacy then you can talk about Jock Stein, but that’s fine and that great 1967 side. So I’m not worried about a legacy losing some games. “We had a great victory over (the)Rangers and that’s fine. But really I’m very, very aware that it is one game at a time. You win a game then you maybe win another. I’m not saying that we’re back to basics again, you lose the game disappointingly and I think it was the manner in which we conceded the goals. “But getting back to your point about the legacy, it genuinely doesn’t worry me one jot, never has done. When you’re dead, you’re dead. I know you two are not thinking about it at your age, but it is something that is a consideration for people over 52.” Sutton continued with making his point: “Martin O’Neill is a legend at Celtic for what he did during my time there as a player. I owe him plenty myself for signing me as I wouldn’t have experienced the whole thing or enjoyed such a wonderful time in my career if he hadn’t done that. “He walked back into the club in the wake of the Brendan Rodgers departure and he answered the call with Maloney placed at his side. Now that’s great. It was important to have someone who could unite the club, the fans and bring a bounce into the players. “That was achieved. The wins over Falkirk and against (the)Rangers in the semi-final of the Premier Sports Cup ensured no damage done domestically in the very short term. “But let’s be frank. This isn’t a short-term situation. This is a big job to get things back on track and the Europa League defeat in Midtjylland just summed that up. Actually, it wasn’t just the defeat. The Danes were top of the table going into the game and losing the game wasn’t the biggest thing, it was the manner of the loss. Celtic were absolutely miles off it. That was as much of a 3-1 hammering as you could get. That scoreline flattered Celtic. “Basically, Martin has such a great legacy at Celtic and I wouldn’t want it to be damaged by any more nights like that. It’s hard to think more are not going to follow before this league phase is over because, watching that game in Denmark, it just brought home to me how much needs to be done with the squad.”
