Martin O’Neill becomes the latest head coach to be inducted into the League Managers Association Hall of Fame, marking another milestone in his long and distinguished career…
February 11, 2026, Scottish Premiership, Celtic vs. Livingston. Celtic manager
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Martin O’Neill on the touchline. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO/Press License
The current Celtic boss, who is also LMA president, will watch his 1,000th game as manager tonight as the Hoops take on Stuttgart in the Europa League.
By reaching the milestone, he joins an elite group that includes Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson, Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson, and the former Manchester United boss sent a message of praise to the 73-year-old in recognition of his extraordinary achievements.
Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands ahead of the MD4 match of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League stage against Celtic Football Club and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 5, 2024. (Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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Ferguson said in full, via LMA: “A huge congratulations to Martin on joining the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club and congratulations on a career that combines hard work, success and longevity. I have always enjoyed competing with you and your team, who have undoubtedly given your all for you and reflected your character and commitment.”
“From starting your career in non-league, working your way up and winning silverware in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, to regular management in European club football and on the international stage, your dedication is a legacy to be very proud of.”
“I’m not surprised to see your passion for leadership and management continue to shine through today as Celtic manager.”
Celtic head coach Martin O’Neill during the 2025/26 UEFA Cup league stage MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic at the Renato Dalara Stadium on January 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
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Alliance Managers Association CEO Richard Bevin also responded, adding: “Martin’s induction into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club is a fitting tribute to a truly impressive career in football management.”
“Martin’s achievements make him one of the most outstanding managers in football. He led Wycombe Wanderers into the Football League for the first time, helped Leicester City gain promotion to the Premier League and won two League Cups, qualifying for Europe for the Foxes. In Scotland, he won three Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic, as well as three Scottish Cups and a Scottish League Cup, and reached the 2003 UEFA Cup final. It was a remarkable physical job.”
Martin O’Neill looks on. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photography by Vagelis Georgariou
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“The LMA congratulates Martin on this honor and looks forward to formally inducting him into the LMA Hall of Fame 1,000 Club at the LMA Annual Awards Dinner in May.”
Connor Spence
Celtics in the Thirties by Matt Cole. Click on the picture to order
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