52-Year-Old Backed As The New Manager Of Celtic: Will He Genuinely Represent Progress?

“I know Roberto and I have a good fondness for him.

“He would be a good operator for Celtic. He may actually be a good solution because it gets Dermot Desmond and the board off the hook. It’s showing some actual hope and taking the club forward, appointing a bigger name than Wilfried Nancy, who was, in the kindest way, perhaps not the biggest name.

“Martinez is proven, he’s handled Premier League clubs. Great stories at Wigan, did well at Everton and Belgium. Perhaps not fulfilling their potential, but that’s more to do, I think, with the players.

“He is well respected in the game, well liked in the game, and if Celtic were to get him they’d have to push the boat out, but the fans would demand that.”

Would Martinez genuinely represent progress or another calculated risk for Celtic?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 31: Manager Roberto Martinez of Portugal looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The truth is, he’s likely a bit of both: a real step forward, but still a familiar kind of boardroom gamble. Martinez has the CV to back it up; he’s won three trophies, including that famous 2013 FA Cup with Wigan and the 2024-25 Nations League with Portugal. His tactics are also a great match for the Celtic DNA perfectly. Plus, his long history with Shaun Maloney (who played for him and coached alongside him) would give the club some much-needed stability.

He’s sharp tactically and great with players, but there are still valid concerns. His Everton teams were notoriously leaky at the back after his first season, and he hasn’t been in the day-to-day grind of club football since 2016. Ten years away from the league circuit is a long time.

Martinez has already said his mind is entirely on the World Cup, so Celtic would have to be patient and fight off other suitors. The board has a chance to make a real statement here, but as they’ve already learned this year, big names don’t mean much if the foundation underneath them isn’t right.