AliousTottenham Hotspur are facing serious relegation concerns in the Premier League, and some pundits believe the club could learn from the approach taken by Celtic F.C. during difficult moments in their own season.
Relegation for one of England’s traditional “big six” clubs would normally seem unimaginable, yet Spurs now find themselves dangerously close to the drop zone. Celtic experienced similar turmoil in Scotland earlier in the campaign and responded by bringing back former manager Martin O’Neill to steady the club for the remainder of the season.
A veteran broadcaster has suggested Tottenham could adopt the same strategy to protect their top-flight status.
Pressure mounting after Crystal Palace defeat
Tottenham’s 3–1 loss to Crystal Palace F.C. on Thursday increased fears that the club could be dragged into a relegation battle. Spurs currently sit 16th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone, with results deteriorating under manager Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank.
Ironically, Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League last season under Ange Postecoglou, the former Celtic boss who was dismissed only weeks after delivering the trophy.
Glenn Hoddle suggested as a solution
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys believes Tottenham should follow Celtic’s example by appointing a respected veteran figure to guide the team through the crisis.
Writing on social media platform X, he argued that Spurs could turn to club legend Glenn Hoddle, suggesting the former player and manager could play a role similar to O’Neill’s at Celtic.
Keys criticised Tudor’s approach, claiming the manager’s tough style has not impressed the squad and hinting that a change might be necessary if results do not improve.
O’Neill’s impact at Celtic
Since returning to Celtic, O’Neill has helped stabilise the team despite inconsistent performances earlier in the campaign. The club now sits five points behind Heart of Midlothian F.C. in the Scottish Premiership and is preparing for a Scottish Cup quarter-final clash with Rangers F.C..
Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish has praised the job O’Neill has done during his second spell at the club.
Dalglish pointed out that O’Neill returned to work with a squad largely assembled before his arrival, with only a few additions made in January, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Despite this, the experienced coach has managed to stabilise the team and restore confidence.
Dalglish also noted O’Neill’s pedigree, highlighting his time working under legendary manager Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest F.C., an experience that helped shape his coaching career.
He concluded that the decision to bring O’Neill back temporarily was an inspired one, praising the veteran manager for once again stepping in and guiding Celtic through a difficult period.
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