Next Celtic Manager Odds: Neil Lennon Favourite as Pressure Builds on Martin O'Neill
Celtic remain top of the Scottish Premiership, but pressure is mounting on Martin O'Neill following a disappointing run of results.
Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Falkirk was the Hoops' sixth loss in their last 10 matches, with the result marking Falkirk's first victory over Celtic since 2007.
Despite remaining four points clear at the summit, the champions have managed just three wins in their last 10 outings.
Their European form has added to the concerns, with Celtic yet to register a point after losing all three of their Europa League league-phase fixtures.
They host Besiktas on Thursday night, with former striker Chris Sutton describing the side as a "team in regression" and directing criticism towards the manager.
O'Neill returned for a second interim spell in January following the dismissal of Wilfried Nancy and guided Celtic to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double last season.
He signed a one-year contract in June, which includes an option for a second season.
No decision has been announced over his future, and O'Neill remains in charge.
However, football betting sites have now opened a market on the next permanent Celtic manager, with Neil Lennon the favourite ahead of Shaun Maloney and Robbie Keane.
Punters can also check out the latest free bets before getting involved.
Next Celtic Manager Odds
Here’s how the leading betting sites rate the five main contenders to replace Martin O'Neill, should Celtic, or the manager himself, decide it's time for change.
| Candidate | BetVictor Odds |
|---|---|
| Neil Lennon | 3/1 |
| Shaun Maloney | 4/1 |
| Robbie Keane | 5/1 |
| Craig Bellamy | 5/1 |
| Scott Brown | 12/1 |
Odds correct as of 3 November 2026, 10:00am - courtesy of BetVictor
Neil Lennon
Neil Lennon is the current favourite to take charge of Celtic for a third time, having previously managed the club between 2010 and 2014 and again from 2019 to 2021.
He won five Scottish Premiership titles and four Scottish Cups across those two spells, making him a familiar name to supporters.
Lennon has been in charge of Dunfermline since March 2025 and signed a new contract in July, keeping him at the Championship club until 2028.
The Pars currently sit fourth and occupy a play-off place, having also faced Celtic in the 2026 Scottish Cup final, where they lost 3-1 to O'Neill's side.
Shaun Maloney
Shaun Maloney is already part of the Celtic setup, having joined Martin O'Neill's coaching staff in October 2025 before signing a permanent deal in the summer.
His one-year contract runs for the same length of time as O'Neill's.
Maloney has previous managerial experience with Hibernian, where he spent four months in charge during the 2021-22 season before being dismissed.
He subsequently took over at Wigan Athletic in January 2023, leaving in March 2025 with the club 15th in League One.
He has said he will consider his future at the end of the season.
Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane is available after leaving Ferencvaros in May following 16 months in charge.
He won the Hungarian league title in 2024-25 and added the Hungarian Cup last season, having previously guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli title in 2023-24.
The former Republic of Ireland striker also has a connection with Celtic, scoring 16 goals in 19 appearances during a loan spell in 2010.
He has reportedly attracted interest from elsewhere, including links with Crystal Palace this autumn.
Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy has been Wales head coach since July 2024 and turned down an approach from Burnley in the summer to remain in the international role.
Leaving Wales for Celtic would therefore represent a significant change in direction.
The former forward spent time on loan at Celtic in 2005, helping the club win the Scottish Cup that season.
His coaching experience includes serving as Vincent Kompany's assistant at Burnley, where he helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League in 2022-23.
Scott Brown
Scott Brown remains closely associated with Celtic after spending 14 years at the club as a player, captaining the side to 10 league titles and collecting 22 major honours in total.
He is currently without a club after being dismissed by Ayr United in March.
His managerial career has had mixed results.
Brown was sacked by Fleetwood Town in September 2023 following a winless start to the season, before spending two years at Ayr.
He has also revealed that he turned down the opportunity to become Cheltenham Town manager.
Celtic host Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday, with O'Neill's future under scrutiny.
This page will be updated as the betting moves.
Scottish Football at Free Bets
Looking to get the edge on Scottish Premiership betting? You're in the right place.
From detailed match previews and Scottish football tips from Kai Watson to the latest team news, transfer stories and managerial developments, we bring you everything you need to follow the Scottish game throughout the season.
